The parents of Omer Neutra, a U.S. citizen held hostage in Gaza by Hamas, gave a speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday.
Orna Neutra and Ronen Neutra, Omer’s parents, addressed the audience not only about their son but also about the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing all hostages in Gaza.
“For 285 long days and nights, Hamas terrorists have kept Omer imprisoned in tunnels beneath Gaza,” stated Omer’s mother, Orna Neutra.
“He was born in New York City, one month after 9/11,” she mentioned. “Here we are 23 years later, and he’s the victim of another vile terrorist attack.”
The theme for Wednesday night at the RNC is “Make America Safe Once Again.” Speakers criticized the Biden administration’s foreign policy, including its handling of Israel’s situation in Gaza.
The Neutra family refrained from making partisan statements and instead appealed for a renewed focus on resolving the hostage crisis in Gaza and freeing all captives.
“Where is the outrage?” questioned Omer’s father, Ronen Neutra, to the audience. “This was not just an attack on Israel. This was and still is an attack on Americans. Omer is one of eight American hostages and one of 120 hostages still held in Gaza. Citizens from 24 countries and five different religions are still captive, deprived of basic human necessities, and facing threats to their lives every single day.”
“We want our beloved son back. And we need your help. We need your support to resolve this crisis and bring all the hostages back home,” urged Ronen Neutra.
“Bring them home,” he repeated, leading the audience in a chant. “Bring them home.”
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“This is a non-political issue,” emphasized Ronen Neutra in an interview with Scripps News earlier. “It’s a humanitarian crisis that must end now. We cannot wait for the election. It needs to happen immediately.”
In the months following Hamas’ attack on Israel, the Neutra family has been actively advocating for Omer and the other hostages in the U.S. They spoke with Scripps News in March, following President Biden’s 2024 State of the Union address.
“He has a whole life ahead of him, and we must do everything in our power to bring him back,” said Orna Neutra. “He is one of eight Americans still held hostage, with six alive and two deceased. Their bodies are still held by Hamas.”
“For most people, if they don’t hear from their child in an hour, they panic. We haven’t heard anything for over five months. It’s unimaginable,” expressed Ronen Neutra.
