IDF confirms: Hamas hostage soldier Omer Neutra is dead

Based on newly discovered evidence, the IDF Spokesperson delivered this heartbreaking update on Hamas hostage Omer Neutra: Neutra was tragically killed on Simchat Torah and Hamas is holding his body in Gaza. He was kidnapped along with his fellow tank crew members.

Omer Neutra, who was 21 years old when he was killed, was born and raised in the United States. He chose to make aliyah to Israel as a lone soldier and enlisted in the Armored Corps after completing a preparatory program with the Garin Tzabar program.

Omer loved sports, played soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and was captain of his school's sports teams. His family and friends described him as a warm, optimistic, people-loving person who "lit up the room the moment he entered it."

Omer was kidnapped on Simchat Torah last year along with his tank crew members Nimrod Cohen, Shaked Dahan (of blessed memory), and Oz Daniel (of blessed memory).

His family was informed this morning of his fall. He is survived by his parents Ronen and Orna and his brother Daniel.

May his memory be a blessing.