The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that Omer Maxim Neutra, a 21-year-old American-Israeli citizen, was killed during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Neutra, who served as a tank platoon commander in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was previously believed to be held hostage in Gaza. His body is still being held in Gaza.
Described as a sports enthusiast, Neutra was known for his love of soccer, basketball, and volleyball. He served as the captain of his school's sports teams. Family and friends remember him as a warm, optimistic, and caring individual who had a positive impact on everyone around him.
Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Neutra 'fell in a heroic battle near Nir Oz on October 7.' Nir Oz, a small kibbutz near Gaza in southern Israel, was heavily impacted by the terror attacks on that day, with a significant portion of its residents either killed or kidnapped.
Neutra was one of seven American citizens held in Gaza. With his death, four out of the seven are now confirmed dead, while three are believed to still be alive.
