The parents of Omer Neutra, a U.S. citizen held hostage in Gaza by Hamas, made an appearance at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday.
Orna Neutra and Ronen Neutra, Omer’s parents, not only shared about their son but also shed light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by all hostages in Gaza.
“For 285 long days and nights, Hamas terrorists have kept Omer locked up in tunnels beneath Gaza,” expressed Omer’s mother, Orna Neutra.
“Born in New York City, just one month after 9/11,” she added. “Fast forward 23 years later, and he’s now a victim of another despicable terrorist act.”
On Wednesday night, the RNC focused on the theme of “Make America Safe Once Again,” criticizing the Biden administration’s approach to foreign policy matters, including the conflict in Gaza.
The Neutra family refrained from making partisan statements and instead urged for concerted efforts to resolve the hostage crisis in Gaza and secure the release of captives.
“Where is the outcry?” questioned Omer’s father, Ronen Neutra, to the audience. “This wasn’t just an assault on Israel. It was and still is an assault on Americans. Omer is one of eight American hostages and among 120 captives still held in Gaza. Individuals from 24 nations and five different faiths remain under Hamas’ grip, deprived of basic necessities and facing constant threats to their lives.”
“We want our son back. And we need your backing. We need your support to end this crisis and bring all the hostages home,” appealed Ronen Neutra.
“Bring them home,” he rallied, prompting the audience to join in. “Bring them home.”
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“This is not a political issue,” emphasized Ronen Neutra to Scripps News. “It’s a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate resolution. We can’t afford to wait for the next election. It needs to happen now.”
In the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel, the Neutra family has been tirelessly advocating for Omer and other hostages in the U.S. They spoke with Scripps News in March, right after 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,” Orna Neutra stressed. “He’s one of eight Americans still held hostage, six alive and two deceased, with their remains held by Hamas.”
“Most people get anxious if they don’t hear from their child in an hour. We have had no information for over five months. It’s unimaginable,” lamented Ronen Neutra.
