In a somber announcement, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed that flags on all state buildings be flown at half-staff to honor Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old New Yorker who tragically lost his life in the Hamas terror attacks on October 7th. Neutra, a dual American-Israeli citizen with deep roots in New York City and Long Island, had been presumed captive for 14 months before the official confirmation of his death.
Omer Neutra's story is one of promise and service. Raised in Plainview, Long Island, he dedicated himself to serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Governor Hochul, who met with Neutra's parents, Orna and Ronen Neutra, has been a vocal advocate for the return of all hostages taken by Hamas. Her commitment includes raising awareness during her visit to Israel in 2023 and at various memorial and remembrance events. You can view images from these events on the Governor's Flickr page.
"For months we’ve prayed for the safe return of Omer Neutra and all those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. This horrific news shakes all New Yorkers to our core,” Governor Hochul stated. Her words reflect the collective grief and solidarity felt across New York State. She further emphasized the need for continued prayers for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war, and a lasting peace in the region. Governor Hochul's commitment to supporting the hostages extends to various executive orders related to the conflict in the Middle East.
As a mark of respect and mourning, New York State facilities will lower their flags to half-mast on the day of Neutra's funeral. The date of the memorial service will be determined by the Neutra family and announced publicly in the coming days. This symbolic gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict and New York's unwavering support for its citizens affected by these tragic events.
For those seeking to express their condolences or offer support, the Governor's Office can be contacted via:
Recognizing the diverse communities within New York, the Governor's office has provided translations of the announcement in multiple languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, and Yiddish. This commitment to accessibility ensures that all New Yorkers can receive this important information in their preferred language.
