Long Island Park Dedicated to Slain Israeli Soldier Omer Neutra

The Town of Oyster Bay in Plainview, New York, has dedicated a neighborhood park in honor of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American Israeli soldier killed during the Hamas attack in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The park, located at Marilyn Boulevard and Phipps Lane, now features a basketball court reflecting Neutra's love for the sport, with a plaque commemorating his leadership and bravery. Neutra's family, including his father Ronen, called on President Donald Trump to intervene and pressure Israel to end the ongoing war and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the need for political unity and action. Community members, local officials, and activists, including actor Michael Rapaport, gathered for the dedication ceremony, highlighting Neutra's connection to his hometown and his legacy as a strong, playful, and courageous young man. The event underscored the broader humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict, with significant casualties and displacement in Gaza. Neutra's mother expressed a desire for children to experience the joy and sense of community her son felt growing up in Plainview, reinforcing the park as a symbol of hope and remembrance.