Current:Home > InvestFamily of an American held hostage by Hamas urges leaders to "do everything, and we mean everything, to bring them back"-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Family of an American held hostage by Hamas urges leaders to "do everything, and we mean everything, to bring them back"
View Date:2024-12-23 23:26:39
Omer Neutra loves the Knicks. Growing up on Long Island, he was the captain of his high school basketball team, his volleyball team, "and when the soccer team needed a captain, he was captain of the soccer team," his father Ronen says. "That's the kind of guy he is."
Now, Omer's loved ones are fighting for their son and friend, an American who has dual citizenship and serves with the Israeli military.
Anguish for the family set in after representatives from the Israeli consulate in New York rushed to their home on Sunday, Oct. 8.
"They said that he's been taken captive," says his mother, Orna Neutra. "So many have died that it's just insane that you feel relief, to think that your son is not dead, you know?"
Last weekend, the family celebrated Omer's 22nd birthday without him.
"We had a cake with 23 candles," his mother said. "According to our tradition, you put an extra candle. They weren't blown out. We just let them melt into the cake. We said prayers together. It's just devastating."
Omer is believed to be one of the about 200 hostages currently held by Hamas. Israeli officials say Hamas' attack killed some 1,400 people and wounded 3,500 others. Biden administration officials say that at least 31 Americans have been killed and another 13 U.S. nationals remain unaccounted for.
The grandson of Holocaust survivors, Omer Neutra put off his plans for attending college at Binghamton University to study in Israel. He eventually joined the Israel Defense Forces.
Omer's brother Daniel describes him as a "a natural born leader" and "an amazing role model."
"Omer is an American-born kid that wanted to help his grandparents' homeland and defend it," his father, Ronan Neutra, said.
For Omer, joining the Israeli military was not an easy decision, his mother said. "He was crying over this. We were sitting on the floor in his room. And he was crying. He said, 'I don't know what to do. I really don't.'"
When the news broke of the attack nearly two weeks ago, Omer was serving as tank commander near Gaza.
His father scrambled to contact his son.
"Immediately I texted him," Ronen Neutra says. "Nothing. We called him. Nothing."
Omer's parents told CBS News the representatives from the Israeli consulate shared details with them.
"We know that the Army did an investigation," Orna Neutra said. "From what they've shared and the videos that were shown, their conclusion is that him and his team have been taken."
Now the Neutras remain focused on getting Omer and other hostages back.
"This is not a time for tears," Orna Neutra said. "I need strong people around me to work together and put the influence on the American government, the Israeli government to do everything, and we mean everything, to bring them back as soon as possible."
In Tel Aviv on Wednesday, President Biden said there was "no higher priority" for him than securing the release of the hostages held by Hamas.
For now, the Neutras are holding tight to hope and positive thoughts, focusing on bringing Omer home.
"They've done nothing wrong," Ronen Neutra says. "Let them go home, it's not that hard. We are all humans."
- In:
- Hamas
- Israel
- New York
Jim Axelrod is the chief investigative correspondent and senior national correspondent for CBS News, reporting for "CBS This Morning," "CBS Evening News," "CBS Sunday Morning" and other CBS News broadcasts.
TwitterveryGood! (7944)
Related
- Jenn Tran's Ex Devin Strader Throws Shade At Her DWTS Partner Sasha Farber Amid Romance Rumors
- Man convicted of murder in 1993 gets new trial after key evidence called into question
- Analysis: Novak Djokovic isn’t surprised he keeps winning Grand Slam titles. We shouldn’t be, either
- Police in Jamaica charge a man suspected of being a serial killer with four counts of murder
- Too Hot to Handle’s Francesca Farago Gives Birth, Welcomes Twins With Jesse Sullivan
- Poland says it won’t lift its embargo on Ukraine grain because it would hurt its farmers
- Teen arrested after a guard shot breaking up a fight outside a New York high school football game
- Dodgers embrace imperfections as another October nears: 'We'll do whatever it takes'
- 'Serial swatter': 18-year-old pleads guilty to making nearly 400 bomb threats, mass shooting calls
- Norway’s intelligence agency says the case of arrested foreign student is ‘serious and complicated’
Ranking
- Nicole Kidman Reveals the Surprising Reason for Starring in NSFW Movie Babygirl
- Scarfing down your food? Here's how to slow down and eat more mindfully
- Hurricane Lee's projected path to bring big surf, dangerous currents to US East Coast
- Cybersecurity ‘issue’ prompts computer shutdowns at MGM Resorts properties across US
- Golden Bachelorette: Joan Vassos Gets Engaged During Season Finale
- India and Saudi Arabia agree to expand economic and security ties after the G20 summit
- In flood-stricken central Greece, residents face acute water shortages and a public health warning
- 'Challenges are vast': Here's how to help victims of the earthquake in Morocco
Recommendation
-
RHOBH's Kyle Richards Shares Reaction to BFF Teddi Mellencamp's Divorce
-
Twinkies are sold! J.M. Smucker scoops up Hostess Brands for $5.6 billion
-
Fukushima nuclear plant’s operator says the first round of wastewater release is complete
-
How Paul Walker's Family Plans to Honor Him on What Would've Been His 50th Birthday
-
The charming Russian scene-stealers of 'Anora' are also real-life best friends
-
NFL Week 1 winners, losers: Dolphins, 49ers waste no time with sizzling starts
-
Biden calls for stability in U.S.-China relationship: I don't want to contain China
-
Michigan State University football coach Mel Tucker denies sexually harassing Brenda Tracy