Family Of LI Hostage In Gaza To Attend State Of The Union

WASHINGTON, DC — The congressmen from Nassau County have announced guests for President Biden's State of the Union Address.

The parents of American hostage Omer Neutra will be guests of Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove).

"It’s been five months since Hamas's brutal attack on Israel. Long Island, Queens, and America must not forget that one of our neighbors is being held hostage," Suozzi said. "Everything possible must be done to get all of the hostages swiftly and safely home."

Neutra, an IDF tank commander, was serving near the Gaza border when he was taken hostage during the surprise attack on Oct. 7. He joined the Israeli Army after graduating from the Solomon Schechter School of Long Island.

“This has to stay in front of politicians; It has to stay in front of the media, and it has to stay in front of the public," Ronen Neutra said. “This is one of the biggest stages of the year. We are hopeful that President Biden will mention us and our dear ones in his speech, and I know he cares deeply about the situation."

Ronen and Orna Neutra are Plainview residents. They'll be joined in the Gallery by Omer's brother Daniel, along with other family members of hostages held in Gaza.

Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-Island Park), a former NYPD detective will have two NYPD officers in attendance at the State of the Union Thursday night. The officers were injured by a group of men near a migrant shelter on Jan. 27. D'Esposito partnered with Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis to bring the officers to Washington.