Ronen and Orna Neutra, the parents of Omer Neutra, an American citizen held hostage by Hamas, share their anguish and fight for his release amid reports of worsening conditions and recent deaths of hostages.
The family of Omer Neutra, an American citizen held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 2022, is raising alarm over the deteriorating conditions and imminent danger faced by the 100 hostages, including six who were recently killed by Hamas.
Ronen and Orna Neutra, Omer's parents, have tirelessly advocated for their son's release, engaging with global leaders and pleading for intervention. They describe the constant pain and anxiety they endure, struggling to function while fighting for Omer's life.
American Hostages Languish in Hamas Captivity, Family Pleads for Urgent Action
Omer, a dual American-Israeli citizen, was captured while serving in the Israel Defense Forces near Kibbutz Nir Oz. His parents, who reside on Long Island, New York, have since dedicated their lives to securing his freedom.
"This is urgent. They are in the greatest danger. They are dying," Ronen said during a recent speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas. "A deal is the only viable path to bring all hostages back home."
American Hostages Languish in Hamas Captivity, Family Pleads for Urgent Action
Orna, addressing her son at the conference, expressed her unwavering love and determination: "Omer, if you can hear us, we love you. Stay strong. We won't stop fighting to bring you home. And we won't lose hope."
The IDF reported that Hamas killed six hostages last week after subjecting them to torturous conditions in a tunnel. The hostages, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were discovered dead in abysmal conditions during an IDF operation in Rafah.
American Hostages Languish in Hamas Captivity, Family Pleads for Urgent Action
The Neutra family's anguish is compounded by the realization that Omer is enduring similar horrors. They describe him as a friendly, sports-loving athlete who is now facing unimaginable hardship.
"He's just a regular kid with a messy bedroom," Orna said. "He's just this funny, very easygoing, fun guy. And on the other hand, he's the person that knows when to do the right thing and how to step up."
American Hostages Languish in Hamas Captivity, Family Pleads for Urgent Action
Despite their distress, the Neutras draw strength from Omer's resilience. "Everything we do, we think about him and whether he's doing it," Omer's father said. "Our grandfathers managed to show great resourcefulness and survival skills by surviving the Holocaust in Europe... And maybe those genes trickle down and Omer has them and got that survival instinct."
The Neutra family shares every waking moment in Omer's absence, questioning his well-being and enduring unimaginable pain. "When we wake up. Is he waking up? When we shower, we ask ourselves, did he get a shower? Is he getting fresh clothes? When we eat, we think about him. Is he getting food?" Omer's father said. "How is he dealing with this? So everything is so personal. Everything is so difficult."
The family's unwavering love and determination are evident in their resolute efforts. "He's our son. He's the one who is tormented and suffering here. And we have to do everything that we can to save him," Orna said. "We're charged with that."
