Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Rabbi Joel Levenson: "We've been holding our breaths on his return so he can receive a dignified burial in a proper resting place..." PLAINVIEW, NY – Omer Neutra’s Plainview community has been rallying together to support his family ever since tragedy unfolded on Oct. 7, 2023 — and even more so now as his family waits for closure. The American-Israeli soldier was killed on Oct. 7, 2023 by Hamas, but his remains are still being held in Gaza, along with the bodies of 12 other Israeli hostages. Rabbi Joel Levenson of Midway Jewish Center in Syosset said Omer Neutra was an active community member. “We’re talking about someone who grew up here, played sports here, and is a real, beloved member of the community, as are his parents and brother,” he said. Levenson said that Omer’s parents and community have been waiting and praying fiercely for his return. “For 421 days, we were praying to hear good news about Omer Neutra,” he said. “And then learned last December that in fact, he had been killed on October 7, and his body had been taken hostage.” Levenson said they have all been leaning on each other through the devastating days: “We’ve been supporting one another, looking to stand together.” Omer’s parents, Orna and Ronen have been in Israel for about two weeks, awaiting the return of their son’s remains so he can receive a proper and dignified burial, Levenson said. “We’ve been holding our breaths on his return so he can receive a dignified burial in a proper resting place so that he’s not left buried underneath the rubble in Gaza or in a tunnel,” Levenson said. “Hamas knows where at least 10 of the 13 hostages are located, so the question is, 'If Hamas knows where the bodies are, what is the hold up?' It’s really causing an unnecessary great deal of pain.” Levenson said the community was overjoyed to see the return of the 20 hostages back to their loved ones: “We hope and pray that everyone, over the course of time, will be able to enjoy a new chapter of freedom and dignity.” But there is still more work to be done, he said. “If we really want to see a new day, then we need to see these 13 hostages released so that pressure can be diminished and real healing can begin and their families can have real closure,” he said. “The advocacy will have to continue until everyone is home.” Michael Kohler of Plainview said his family has been friends with the Neutras for 15 years, and the news of Omer’s death has hit close to home. Kohler was in Israel with Omer’s parents when the 20 living hostages were released. “There was lots of excitement when the living hostages were released, but not all hostages are home,” Kohler said. “It’s been excruciating since. We hoped it would be over by now. His parents are still in Israel waiting.” Kohler’s children were in the same school and synagogue as Omer; their families are close. “My son was actually there in the [Israeli] army at the time,” Kohler said. “He’s spoken at different rallies around the country about Omer. It’s definitely difficult.” He continued to say the family needs closure, agreeing with Rabbi Joel Levenson. “It’s hard to sit there watching these live hostages come home knowing that their son isn’t,” Kohler said. “And now, we’re literally just waiting. They’re not even able to bury their son and try to move forward. It’s being dragged out, and so emotionally, it’s very difficult.” Kohler said that although they are waiting for news, Plainview’s support has been incredibly beneficial during this time, and the continued advocacy helps. “The community has been great for two plus years,” Kohler said. “We’ve shown up, done weekly walks to JCC in Plainview to bring attention to the matter, and keep putting pressure on politicians.”
