Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of Omer Neutra who was abducted by Hamas to Gaza on October 7, appeared on Wednesday night at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to bring attention to the plight of the hostages.
Neutra, a native of Long Island, New York, was taken captive while serving as a tank commander near Gaza.
“Our son Omer is an American citizen. For 285 long days and nights, Hamas terrorists have been holding Omer in prison in tunnels underneath Gaza,” Orna Neutra stated.
“Omer, a name with biblical significance meaning ‘the first crop’ in Hebrew, is our eldest. He was born in New York City. One month after 9/11, I walked home across the Queensboro Bridge, eight months pregnant that day. And now, 23 years later, he’s a victim of another heinous terrorist act,” she added.
She portrayed Omer as “a connector. He’s very sociable, loves sports, and was captain of the soccer, volleyball, and basketball teams in high school. He’s a natural leader who deeply cares about others and their growth.”
“He turned 22 on October 14th, 2023. Instead of celebrating with us and his friends, he spent his birthday as a captive of Hamas terrorists,” Orna Neutra lamented.
“Imagine not knowing for over nine months whether your son is alive. Waking up each morning, praying he’s waking up too, that he’s strong and surviving,” she continued.
The audience chanted “bring them home!” while some held signs reading “We are Jews for Trump” and Trump’s name in Hebrew script.
Ronen Neutra remarked, “During the brutal October 7th attack on Israel, over 1,200 people were killed. Among them, 45 were American citizens. Where is the outrage? This wasn’t just an assault on Israel; it was and remains an assault on Americans. Omer is one of eight American hostages and one of 120 hostages still held in Gaza. Citizens of 24 countries and five different religions are still held by Hamas, deprived of basic human needs and facing daily threats to their lives.”
“President Trump personally called us right after the attack, when Omer was taken captive. We know he stands with our American hostages. We need our beloved son back. And we need your support,” he emphasized. “We need support to resolve this crisis and bring all the hostages home.”
Orna added emotionally, “Omer, we love you. We won’t stop fighting for you.”
{Matzav.com}