Emotional Gathering For Killed IDF Soldier From LI

PLAINVIEW, NY — An emotional farewell to Omer Neutra was held on Tuesday morning at the Midway Jewish Center.

Neutra, an IDF soldier, was killed by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, it was announced on Monday.

Governor Hochul, Congresswoman-elect Laura Gillen and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman were among the attendees.

But it was Neutra's family and friends who offered personal reflections and the most emotional moments of the event, which was also live-streamed for those who couldn't attend.

"I pled for a sign of life. I didn't get any," mother Orna Neutra said. "Instead, we received on a daily basis, for over 423 days, signs of hope and love."

"And then one moment, one knock on the door, and it's all over," father Ronen Neutra said.

That devastating news left a "big hole in my stomach," Orna Neutra said.

Omer had several loves, including family, friends and sports, but his mother said it was his "true love" for Israel that would send him to the country as a member of the IDF. The tank platoon commander was killed as the attack began.

Despite any challenges, Orna Neutra said her son had a "magic wand of light wherever you went."

"This Long Island kid, who had a unique spark that touched so many people with his smile, with his shy, big presence, Ronen Neutra said. "We were blessed to be chosen to be your parents."