Former Gaza hostage Capt. Omer Neutra was buried at Kiryat Shaul’s Military Cemetery on Friday after being returned during the first phase of the US-brokered Gaza deal.
“My Omer, after more than two years... finally, you are home – [in] the home that you chose, in the country that you chose to defend,” Ronen Neutra, his father, said.
Omer Neutra immigrated to Israel from the United States and enlisted in a combat unit as a lone soldier.
“When the tank filled with toxic smoke and the crew was choking, you gave the order that saved your crew: ‘Breathe through the ventilation system openings.’ It was clear thinking in the middle of hell. It was leadership. It was a responsibility for the lives of others – even when yours was in danger,” his father said.
He took a moment to thank US President Donald Trump, along with envoys Steve Wikoff and Jared Kushner, and the leaders of Jewish and Christian organizations that “embraced us, hugged us, and made sure Omer and all hostages were not forgotten, not for a minute.”
Daniel, Omer’s brother, said, “Here we are all together again, after two and a half years, our longest ever time apart. And I can’t even give you a hug, just look at a box; so close but so far.”
President Isaac Herzog, who delivered the first eulogy during the funeral, said that “most of us here didn’t get to meet you personally. But all of us, the whole nation, feel that you are an indelible part of our lives because you chose us when you came here alone, enlisted, and fought.”
“You are part of our lives because you protected us with your body and all your strength,” Herzog continued. “You are part of our lives because you made a name for yourself throughout the world as a hero.”
US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said of Neutra at the funeral that “he is the son of two nations, of the US and Israel, he has a place in history as a hero of two nations. Omer chose to be a fighter.”
Cooper went on to say that “during Hamas’s attack, he ran toward the fire. He did what he always did: Led from the front and protected others. As a commander, as a father, I stand with you with a heavy heart.”
Cooper concluded that “each of us who has worn a uniform understands service with the possibility of sacrifice.”
Neutra, 21, was slain during the October 7 massacre, and his body was taken by Hamas to the Gaza Strip before finally being brought back to Israel on Sunday night.
Another member of Neutra’s crew was tank gunner Nimrod Cohen, who was also kidnapped during the massacre and was released, alive, in October after over 736 days of captivity.
Neutra was a 'smiley goofball' who gave powerful hugs
Neutra loved sports. One of his passions in life was basketball, which he played, as did he soccer and volleyball. Neutra also served as captain of his school’s sports team.
He was a die-hard Knicks fan as well, and he often wore basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s number, 24. Neutra loved his cats, Ronni and Lizi. Those closest to him knew him as a “smiley goofball,” and said that he gave “powerful hugs.”
After his death, Neutra’s hometown of Plainview, New York, dedicated a park in town, complete with a basketball court, in his honor.
“His family and friends described him as a warm, optimistic, and people-loving person who ‘lights up the room the moment he enters,’” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.
Joanie Margulies contributed to this report.