Psalm 126:1: “When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like those who dream.”
Jeremiah 29:14: “I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and I will bring you back from captivity.”
Isaiah 61:1-3: “The Lord Yahweh’s Spirit is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to those who are bound.”
By now, you are aware and rejoicing over the return of the 20 living hostages held captive in Gaza. Each returning to the warm embrace of family, nation, and world. We also pray for those collecting the remains of their loved ones lost in Gaza so that they may be laid to rest in a proper burial. Only now can all of Israel begin to breathe and look towards the road to healing.
On October 4th, 2025, the Israeli American Council (IAC) DC chapter and Bender Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Washington hosted an October 7th commemoration that honored the victims, survivors, and families affected by the horrid terror attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. During this event, we were all hopeful that the then-budding deal for peace and the return of the hostages would come to fruition. Indeed, we have seen that reality as of October 13th.
My participation in the event included the privilege of interviewing Daniel Neutra, brother of Omer Neutra. Omer was a 21-year-old lone soldier serving in the IDF on the Gaza border as a tank commander on October 7th. This New Yorker, born to Israeli parents, was on active duty that horrible day of October 7th. Omer was abducted into Gaza and later was confirmed dead, and his body remained in Gaza until the deal was recently brokered to return all captives to Israel.
In today’s Report, Daniel shares with the community the memory of his big brother, Omer.