New York State is in mourning following the announcement of the death of 21-year-old Omer Neutra, a New Yorker who was killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7th. Governor Kathy Hochul has directed that flags on all state buildings be flown at half-staff on the day of his funeral to honor his memory. This decision highlights the state's commitment to remembering and honoring those lost in the tragic events.
Omer Neutra, a dual American-Israeli citizen, was born in New York City and grew up in Long Island. He was serving as a soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces at the time of the attacks. For 14 months, he was presumed captive, until the recent announcement confirmed his death.
Governor Hochul expressed her condolences, stating, "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." She further emphasized the impact of this loss, having met with the Neutra family and learning about Omer's life.
Governor Hochul has been actively involved in advocating for the release of hostages taken by Hamas. Her efforts include:
The lowering of flags to half-staff is a traditional symbol of mourning and respect. In this instance, it serves as a public acknowledgment of Omer Neutra's life and a tribute to his service. The date for the flag lowering will be determined by the Neutra family and announced in the coming days.
This act by Governor Hochul underscores New York State's solidarity with the Neutra family and its commitment to honoring the memory of a young New Yorker whose life was tragically cut short. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing crisis and the need for lasting peace in the region.
For more information, you can contact the Governor's Office:
The Governor's office also provides translations of the announcement in multiple languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and others, to ensure accessibility for all New Yorkers.
