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Jewish Federations’ Statement on the Return of Capt. Omer Neutra z”l

Jewish Federations welcome the long overdue return of American-Israeli IDF Capt. Omer Neutra’s remains to his loved ones, who can finally give him a dignified burial. Originally from New York and the grandson of Holocaust survivors, Capt. Neutra was killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7 when his tank was attacked.

 

We join in his family’s heartbreak following a harrowing two years, including over a year of not knowing his fate before the IDF confirmed his death in December 2024, and mourn the loss of a courageous warrior. May his memory be a blessing.

 

Jewish Federations honor the lives and memories of the four other hostages whose remains were returned in the last week, in order of release:

 

  • Sahar Baruch, 25: An engineering student at Ben-Gurion University, Sahar was kidnapped on October 7 and killed in January 2024 while still in captivity. He was predeceased by his brother, 20-year-old Edan Baruch, and his grandmother, Geula, who were both murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7.

 

  • Dr. Amiram Cooper, 85: A resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, Amiram was kidnapped on October 7 and murdered in captivity. He was a founding member of the kibbutz and held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from Hebrew University, later completing a doctorate at Ben-Gurion University. Amiram is survived by his wife, Nurit, who was freed from Hamas captivity in late October 2023, his four children, Rotem, Srulik, Ravi, and Lotan, and 11 grandchildren.

 

  • Col. Asaf Hamami, 40: A commander of the Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade, Col. Hamami was killed while fighting Hamas terrorists on October 7, who kidnapped his body to Gaza. He was a resident of Kiryat Ono and is survived by his wife, Saphir, and their three children, including son Alon, who was spending Shabbat with him at the Gaza Division base on October 7.

 

  • Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel, 19: A member of the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion from Kfar Saba, Staff Sgt. Daniel was killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7. He was in the same tank as Capt. Neutra when it was attacked by Hamas. Staff Sgt. Daniel was a gifted musician who dreamed of pursuing a music career following his military service.

 

We also continue to advocate for the return of the remaining eight hostage bodies still in Gaza, including Sgt. Itay Chen, z”l, the last remaining American held hostage by Hamas. Jewish Federations stand in solidarity with the families of the eight, and with all the people of Israel.