Press Releases

Washington, DC – U.S. Reps. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03) today called on the Department of State to secure the release of Omer Neutra, a Binghamton University student and Long Island native, and the over 100 hostages held by Hamas terrorists.

Last month, Rep. Molinaro spoke on the House Floor to raise awareness on the kidnapping of Omer Neutra and Congressman. Rep. Suozzi visited the Neutra parents in Tel Aviv and hosted them at the State of the Union.

In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Reps. Molinaro and Suozzi wrote, “As Secretary of State, you oversee the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs which was created to secure the freedom of American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and assist their families. It has been over 160 days since this attack and hostage return negotiations have flatlined, leaving hundreds of civilians trapped in dangerous, deadly conditions. It is imperative that the United States remains committed to providing diplomatic support and resources to Israel as the country works to free all the hostages and hold Hamas accountable for its war crimes and violations of international law.”

The full text of the lawmakers’ letter can be found here:

Dear Secretary Blinken,

We are incredibly concerned about the hostages being held captive by Hamas. There are still 130 hostages in captivity, including Binghamton University student and Long Island native, Omer Neutra. The grandson of Holocaust survivors, Omer is 22 years old and continues to endure unthinkable torture and trauma at the hands of the Hamas terrorist group. As Secretary of State, we urge you to facilitate swift and effective negotiations to bring Omer and the remaining hostages home.

On October 7, 2023, Iran-backed Hamas launched an unprovoked attack on Israel that led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and hundreds being held hostage. These hostages, including women and children, continue to bear the brunt of the stalled rescue negotiations between the Biden Administration, the Israeli government, and Qatari and Egyptian officials. Those who have been released have shared horror stories about abuse, sexual assault, torture, and heavy drugging from their Hamas captors.

As Secretary of State, you oversee the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs which was created to secure the freedom of American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and assist their families. It has been over 160 days since this attack and hostage return negotiations have flatlined, leaving hundreds of civilians trapped in dangerous, deadly conditions. It is imperative that the United States remains committed to providing diplomatic support and resources to Israel as the country works to free all the hostages and hold Hamas accountable for its war crimes and violations of international law.

Now is the time for Omer and the remaining hostages in Gaza to return home. Given your public commitment to the safety of Americans abroad and support for human rights, renewing hostage return negotiations between all parties and ensuring the safe return of all those in captivity must be a priority.