What Matters Now What Matters Now to Orna and Ronen Neutra: Their son is still in Gaza
Oct 21, 2025
Ronen and Orna Neutra, Israeli-born American parents of Captain Omer Neutra, share their heart-wrenching journey after their son was declared deceased while his body remains in Gaza. Ronen recounts critical details about October 7, emphasizing Omer's bravery during the ambush. The couple discusses their advocacy efforts in Washington, lobbying to ensure the recognition of deceased hostages and the need for proper burials. They express concerns about political declarations regarding the ceasefire, asserting that true healing cannot begin until every hostage is home.
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Arrival Amid Release And Dread
- Orna describes arriving in Israel the week the deal was signed and the mixed emotions as live hostages returned while the deceased remained in Gaza.
- She explains how families of the deceased felt dread and lacked closure despite IDF declaring Omer dead months earlier.
October 7: The Tank Ambush
- Ronen recounts waking on October 7 after speaking to Omer the night before and learning later that their tank was found burning and empty.
- He describes videos and black-box evidence showing the tank was ambushed, the driver killed, and Omer working to call for help while his crew escaped or were taken.
Mechanical Failure And Final Moments
- Ronen explains the tank's mechanical failure slowed it to 10 km/h, causing Shaked Dahan's death and forcing Omer to coordinate rescue calls.
- He recounts footage showing teammates dragged out, Oz Daniel later killed, and Nimrod Cohen taken into Gaza before his eventual release.