Over the weekend, Hamas released the remains of three hostages that The Times of Israel reports have been identified as IDF soldiers who died defending against terrorists when they were attacked on October 7. Their bodies were stolen by Hamas and held in Gaza for the past 758 days. With their return, there are now eight remaining deceased hostages who have still not been returned.
Cpt. Omer Neutra was the first of the three publicly identified on Sunday night by U.S. President Donald Trump, as Neutra held dual United States-Israel citizenship. Israel confirmed that Col. Asaf Hamami and Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel were returned in the same release.
Hamami, 40, the commander of the Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade, was killed fighting Hamas terrorists in the Gaza border community of Kibbutz Nirim on the morning of October 7, 2023, and his body was abducted to Gaza.
Neutra, 21, a lone soldier from the US, was a platoon commander in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion and was also killed while battling Hamas terrorists on the border near Nirim during the onslaught, before his body was taken to the Strip.
Daniel, 19, served in the same tank as Neutra. He was also killed while battling the terrorists, and his body was abducted.
Hamami was last seen handing his five-year-old son to other IDF soldiers before he charged into battle with the terrorists. His family remembers him as a witty man who was a natural leader as a tank platoon commander. One of his tankmen, Nimrod Cohen, was one of the last living hostages released by Hamas. Omer is remembered as a funny, upstanding guy who loved life and music.
The IDF, their families, and lone soldiers who come to Israel with nothing other than their faith are always in need of support as they are at the forefront of the fight against terrorists and defending the Holy Land. The Fellowship, with its generous supporters, helps these brave men and women and their families at a time when they need it the most.
