Gottheimer Statement on Hamas Terrorists’ Murder of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American Citizen

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, December 2, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement on Hamas terrorists’ murder of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American citizen:

“I was heartbroken by the devastating news that Hamas terrorists brutally murdered Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American citizen from Long Island, New York. Omer was a brave leader and served as a tank platoon commander in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion. My thoughts are with Omer’s parents, Ronen and Orna. May Omer’s memory be a blessing.

On October 7, Hamas terrorists attacked the tank Omer was stationed in with RPG fire and explosive devices. Omer was on the frontlines defending innocent men, women, and children from barbaric Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped, and burned alive 1,200. We must continue to honor their memory and fight for the return of those still held captive by Hamas.

For 423 days, 101 hostages have been held hostage at the hands of terrorists. This includes my constituent, Edan Alexander, and six other Americans, three of whom we believe are still alive. We must never stop fighting to bring home every remaining hostage immediately. We must crush the Hamas terrorists who committed these heinous acts on October 7 and who continue to use innocent Palestinians as human shields. Hamas, and the other Iranian-back proxies, must lay down their weapons now and release the hostages today.”