Head of CENTCOM honors Neutra at funeral: ‘He ran toward the sound of gunfire’
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the United States Central Command, eulogized deceased hostage and soldier Omer Neutra, who had American citizenship.
He says that as a soldier, commander and father, he honors the life of Omer. “Everyone who has worn a uniform understands the possibility of the ultimate sacrifice,” says Cooper. “We sweat and lead and hope it never comes. Omer made the ultimate sacrifice in service to a higher cause.”
“You embodied the best of both countries,” says Cooper. “You cemented your place in history as a hero of two countries, part of America’s promise and Israel’s defense.
He speaks about the Neutra family’s long nights, the sunrises that brought renewed prayer, and the conflicts brought about at each sunset.
אלפים מלווים את סרן עומר נאוטרה למנוחות. בין הנוכחים בקהל – מפקד סנטקום, אדמירל בראד קופר, שנשא הספד: “הצטרפתי לאומה שלמה כאן בישראל ומעבר לאוקיינוס בארה”ב – באבל, בגאווה ובמטרה שהזיכרון של עומר יחזק את הברית הבלתי שבירה של ארה”ב ושל ישראל”@ItayBlumental @ishayb2003 pic.twitter.com/tb4QF8GXDR
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“You chose to be a warrior, a ‘lohem,’” says Cooper, using the term in Hebrew for a combat soldier when referring to Omer.
Cooper speaks about Neutra’s choice to serve in a Merkava tank, to lead a tactical unit, and describes part of the battle that day.
“He did what the bold and courageous do, he ran toward the sound of gunfire,” says Cooper. “He could have waited, rested, done nothing, but that’s not who this hero was.”
Cooper reads the commandment from the Torah, “‘Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor’ — he lived those words,” says Cooper.
He sends condolences from Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and their hopes that the burial provides some closure and peace. Cooper also mentions the remaining six deceased hostages who need to be brought back to Israel.
“Omer, welcome home. You will not be forgotten,” says Cooper, and uses the Hebrew phrase “Yehi zichro baruch” — may his memory be a blessing.