Omar Neutra, a 22-year-old American citizen, has been held hostage by Hamas for more than 330 days.
His parents, Orna and Ronen Neutra, of Long Island, told Fox News Digital that their son was a friend to everyone.
“He observes people. He observes carefully. He has a great sense of humor. So, he touches a lot of people,” Orna Neutra said.
Ronen Neutra said his son loves it. New York Nix.
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Omar celebrated his 22nd birthday while held hostage by Hamas. His 23rd birthday is next month. (Orna and Ronan Neutra)
“He knows all their stats, whether they win or lose. We hope those numbers and the stats in his mind will keep him busy,” he said. “Because we’ve been playing for 11 months, and that’s a long time.”
Parents He sticks a piece of duct tape on his shirt, and changes it each day to keep track of how long his son has been in captivity.
Omar Neutra will turn 23 next month.
He and others have been in captivity since October 7, 2023, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
Orna Neutra says the murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin has added to the “urgency” of freeing the hostages. (Orna and Ronan Neutra)
Goldberg-Polin’s family confirmed the death of Hersh on Sunday, who was killed by Hamas. The Neutra family expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“They are practically our family now. And knowing that Hersh managed to survive for 11 months under the most horrific conditions, including his injury And everything else. And the way he was killed along with the other five hostages is just horrific and shows us who we are dealing with. Hamas is a bunch of monsters,” Ronen said.
Goldberg-Polin’s body was one of the remains of six hostages recovered by the Israeli Defense Forces.
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“In fact, it makes the need to get them out even greater. It’s been too long. Their lives are at risk every day. … It’s a huge challenge.” Terrorist organizations“We realize that, and that makes it even more urgent to get them out, because we see that as time goes on, the risk only increases,” Orna said.
Orna and Ronen are both American Israeli citizens, and have Holocaust survivors on both sides of their families. (Orna and Ronan Neutra)
At least seven American citizens are believed to be hostages. In Gaza,
“Unfortunately, it’s impossible to negotiate with a terrorist organization like Hamas,” Ronen said. “It’s not like we’re negotiating with them. It’s what they want. They’re holding our children hostage. You can’t negotiate with them. You know, it’s almost like you’re already losing because they’re holding our precious children hostage, so that, you know, they can dictate the rules of the game.”
Orna and Ronen are both American Israeli citizens, and Holocaust survivors on both sides. Family,
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Ronan’s grandfather was in Yugoslavia and jewish partisan When he was fired from a factory to save his family and fight the Nazis.
He moved to Israel after the war and was one of the few survivors.
Orna and Ronen Neutra put a piece of duct tape on their shirt, which they change daily, to keep track of how long their son, Omar Neutra (pictured back), has been in captivity after being taken hostage by Hamas. (Orna and Ronan Neutra)
Orna’s Grandpa saved his family from the Nazis several times and went into hiding Polish border He said, “With Slovakia.”
“Because of flexibility and taking action and not waiting for things to sort themselves out – these are Property “That saved both of our families. And we’re really praying and hoping that Omar embodies these qualities and survives,” he added.
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Orna and Ronen addressed the Republican National Convention last month to bring awareness to the situation.
Ronen and Orna Neutra are the parents of Omar Neutra, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Neutra spoke at the RNC in September. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Conference attendees chanted “bring them back home” before the two spoke.
“We’ve been so impressed with the public’s support, and we’re really touched. And we feel it,” Orna said.
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“We are shocked by the lack of understanding of the struggle of the TikTok generation, who pick up a short video and think they understand the struggle,” Ronen said.
“He observes people. He pays attention. He has a great sense of humor. So, he touches a lot of people,” Orna Neutra told Fox News Digital about her son. (Orna and Ronan Neutra)
Ronan urged. college students To read and learn about the Gaza conflict.
“It’s trying to say ‘from the river to the sea’ or whatever that means, is the destruction of Israel and the elimination of the rebellion against Israel.” Jewish people He said, “From Israel. If you’re saying that, you’re as bad as Hamas.”
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Orna said those who care about the Palestinian people should focus on the release of the hostages.
Ronen and Orna Neutra told Fox News Digital they have been talking regularly to the White House, but no substantial steps have been taken until their son is returned. (via Bloomberg, Getty Images, Onra and Ronen Neutra)
“If you are truly concerned about the loss of life and destruction in the region, as we are, then you must call for the release of the hostages and a full de-escalation of tensions in the region and for Hamas to surrender,” he said.
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Neutras said they are in discussions in this regard. white House But until his son returns, not enough work has been done.
“We wake up every morning and ask ourselves, ‘What are we doing today to advance our cause and bring the remaining hostages home?’” Ronen said.
