Omer Neutra HY’D Returns Home for Burial

by Sam Levenson SSLI '27

This morning, Schechter Middle and High School students gathered to recognize Omer Neutra’s return to Israel for a dignified burial. He was kidnapped from his IDF tank on October 7, 2023, and his body was held in captivity for 758 days.

Faculty and staff members, many of whom knew Omer, attended this morning’s minyan service, where they recognized the importance of the moment with special prayers for Omer and the remaining hostages.

In an interview with CBS News, Ms. Dubow said that the gym has become a sacred space for the Schechter community because of the scoreboard dedicated in Omer’s memory, his retired sports team number, and a sign that reads “We Play for Omer.” Today’s services emphasized the mixed emotions of the day: the relief that Omer is returned, and the sadness for his loss.

Along with the regular prayers, students added a prayer for the return of the remaining hostages and a prayer for peace. They also started the service with the Havdalah prayer, which separates Shabbat from the rest of the week. It is typically said on Saturday night but can be recited through the beginning of the new week.

Jonah Resnick, a senior, said, “I found the Havdalah service at the beginning to be very meaningful.… We were able to just sway with one another and be with one another. It was a nice display of unity.”

Shir Levenson, Student Government Vice President, speaks to middle and high school students. (S. Thorgersen)

In her speech addressing the community, Student Government Vice President Shir Levenson explained the Havdalah service, saying that it represents a separation from a holy time to the rest of the week. She said that today represents another kind of Havdalah, a separation. “We are moving from a place of uncertainty, advocacy, fighting, and waiting to a sort of peaceful sadness and closure.”

Levenson said that “Just as Havdalah helps us step from the holiness of Shabbat into the challenges of the week, this moment reminds us that even endings can carry both pain and holiness. We can breathe a little easier knowing that Omer has been brought home.”

Students stand together during the Havdalah service. (S. Thorgersen)

Students also watched the video of one thousand Israeli musicians performing in the “Homeland Concert,” singing a song titled “Habaita,” a prayer for the hostages to return home, from December 2023.

Reflecting on the event, students noted the meaning and emotion that they felt throughout. Junior Anna Melzer said, “I found the service meaningful because I was able to fully process the news.”

Freshman Eric Wurtzel added that he “felt comforted by the people around [him].” He expressed how important it was to add additional prayers for the remaining hostages and for peace.

Resnick said, "Right now, hope is hard to come by, but being in a room with so many other people to commemorate Omer’s return filled me with a lot of hope for the future.”

Schechter students will continue to remember Omer through his character and legacy. Omer’s funeral will be held in Israel this Friday, and, at Schechter, both students and teachers will ensure that Omer’s light will shine for many years to come.

Sam Levenson is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since October 2023. Sam is currently a junior at Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: slevenson27@schechterli.org