Remembering Colonel Omar Neutra

On Monday, we honor all Americans and the courageous individuals in the army who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We also reflect on the life of our son, Colonel Omar Neutra.

Omar grew up on Long Island, known for his kindness and ability to make those around him feel appreciated. He was not just a loving parent but also a captain of the high school basketball team at Solomon Schechter Day School, which was, well, quite a feat considering the competition!

When he got accepted to SUNY Binghamton, it seemed like the typical American dream was unfolding. Yet, at just 19, he made the surprising choice to put school on hold to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces.

Omar’s desire to serve stemmed from a deep commitment to protect those who were innocent from harm.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a devastating attack that claimed the lives of over 1,200 innocent people, also taking 251 hostages, including 45 Americans. Among those taken was Omar.

He was among the many first responders who bravely ran towards danger in order to safeguard civilians, displaying remarkable courage and selflessness.

Wednesday marks 600 days since that tragic event—an incredibly hard reality. For 421 days, we clung to the hope that Omar was alive, believing he was captured by Hamas.

In December, I faced the unbearable truth: my son had died on October 7 while protecting innocent lives.

His body, however, remains held by those who see human dignity as something to bargain with.

The realization of losing our son hit us in waves. First came the shock of the news, followed by the surreal experience of witnessing his sacrifice being recognized publicly.

Seeing signs in Nassau County bearing his name is, well, something I can hardly put into words.

Yet, it’s fitting that his name marks a place where community members gather to demand the return of all hostages since October 7.

On the day we learned of his passing, flags on state buildings were flown at half-mast.

It was in that moment we felt the immense gravity of what our nation stands for: understanding the sacrifices made not just for freedom, but for humanity’s essence.

Freedom requires ordinary people to make extraordinary decisions. Sometimes, this means giving their own lives so that others can enjoy liberty.

Americans hold dear the principle of “no one left behind,” a promise that defines military service and binds soldiers in a unique contract.

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated the joyful return of Edan Alexander, another American soldier who, like Omar, went to Israel to serve.

Edan’s family is from New Jersey, and our sons shared numerous similarities. They were stationed together on October 7, and only later did we discover their connection.

Over the past 20 months, families like ours and Edan’s have united in our grief, hope, and resolve. We pray for Edan’s safe return, hoping it will pave the way for the release of all remaining hostages.

President Trump has assured us of his commitment to this cause. His leadership has sparked impressive progress, highlighting the truth that true healing in the Middle East can only happen with resolution.

A pact must be forged for the release of all hostages, and ultimately, this conflict needs to cease.

The terrorists who took our son’s life, and who still hold his body along with 57 other hostages, embody everything we remember on Memorial Day.

They target civilians, celebrate death, and use human lives as bargaining chips. They aim to undermine the very freedoms that American and Israeli service members have fought to protect.

As we commemorate this anniversary, I’m reminded that the struggle for freedom takes many shapes and transcends borders.

Many Americans, like our Omar, serve as guardians against fears in far-off lands, united in the noble aim of ensuring that innocents are protected.

The values we honor this Monday—commitment to sacrifice, service, and freedom—are alive in the hearts of those who stand against evil.

As we pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes, we also celebrate our son Omar and all who have given their lives for freedom.

Their sacrifices urge us to remember, resist those who threaten liberty, and continue the fight for the return of those still held captive.

Ronen and Orna Neutra are the parents of Colonel Omar Neutra.