SYOSSET, N.Y. — A local Jewish community in the suburbs of New York City is in deep sorrow following the tragic death of Omer Neutra, a young soldier of Israeli-American descent. Initially believed to have been captured during the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, recent confirmations have established that the 21-year-old soldier was, in fact, killed during this unexpected attack.

Funeral services for Neutra are set to take place on Tuesday at a synagogue in Long Island, where he spent his formative years as a dual citizen of both Israel and the United States. As announced on Monday by the Israeli military, they have concluded that Neutra was not taken hostage but was instead killed when Hamas launched its surprise operation during the Nova Music Festival, which became a catalyst for the ongoing conflict in the region. His remains are currently believed to be in Gaza, having been taken there posthumously.

Neutra’s family had remained hopeful for his survival after he attempted to fend off Hamas forces while stranded in his disabled tank at the border. His parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, have actively participated in rallies and demonstrations across both the U.S. and Israel, calling for their son’s safe return. They also voiced their concerns at this year’s Republican National Convention and kept in contact with the administration of President Joe Biden, advocating tirelessly for information regarding their son’s status.

Born in Manhattan just a month after the September 11 attacks in 2001, Neutra was a descendant of Holocaust survivors. He was educated at the Schechter School, a conservative Jewish institution in Long Island, where he distinguished himself as captain of the basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams. Despite receiving an offer to attend the State University of New York at Binghamton, Neutra chose a different path; he deferred his college admission for a gap year and subsequently moved to Israel to serve in the military.