New York student captured by Hamas terrorists while 'serving and protecting the people of Israel,' family says
Fox News
Omer Neutra, an Israeli-American citizen born in New York, was captured by Hamas on Oct. 10 while serving in the Israel Defense Force, his family said.
"He's a born leader and a great son, friend, and a passionate, giving person. After graduating high school, he decided to defer his college acceptance and spend a gap year in Israel connecting with our family's roots," Neutra's parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, said in a statement posted to Facebook by the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department on Long Island. "This experience impacted his decision to stay in Israel and do what he believed in — serving and protecting the people of Israel." Audrey Conklin is a digital reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. Email tips to audrey.conklin@fox.com or on Twitter at @audpants.
His family added that Neutra was doing exactly that when Hamas captured him three days ago, and they have not heard from him since.