Synagogue Holds Torah Dedication In Honor Of LI's Omer Neutra

PLAINVIEW, NY — A Torah scroll at Midway Jewish Center was dedicated on Sunday in the memory of Omer Neutra, the IDF soldier from Plainview who was killed by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

It was learned only in December that Neutra was part of the terrorist attack.

"This is the synagogue at which Omer grew up," Rabbi Joel Levenson told Patch. "His parents are still members here [and] connected here."

Omer's parents haven't been able to have proper closure as Hamas has not released the body along with dozens of hostages in Gaza.

"We will remember how he lived and his values," Rabbi Levenson said.

In addition to the Torah dedication, the rabbi said the synagogue commissioned a new cover for the scroll.

Seven flames of a menorah are shown as a piece of wheat, Omer's Hebrew name.

The flames represent "faith, resilience and unity," Rabbi Levenson said. It also makes a statement that "his legacy will live on [and] that the current community and future generations will remember how he lived."

The synagogue was at capacity with hundreds of people in attendance for Sunday's ceremony.

"We strengthen one another and also bring strength to his family," Levenson said.

A donation page has received nearly $70,000 to have letters and words added to the Torah scroll in Neutra's honor.

As another way to keep Neutra's name alive, the synagogue announced a scholarship fund "for our teens to take advantage of the same programs that inspired Omer in high school," Levenson said.