Uncle pleads for nephew’s release after one year in Hamas captivity

Christian journalist Paul Calvert speaks with Shai Zohar, uncle of Israeli hostage Omer Neutra

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Shai Zohar, the uncle of Oct. 7 hostage Omer Neutra, shared the heartbreaking story of his nephew’s capture during an interview with Christian journalist Paul Calvert.

Neutra, a military first responder, was part of the team that responded to the Hamas terrorist attack on the Gaza border.

“He and his team were taken into captivity in Gaza on the morning of October 7. Ever since, we haven't heard anything about him,” Zohar explained. The past year has been full of uncertainty, with Neutra's family knowing he was kidnapped alive, but nothing else.

Calvert interviewed Zohar at a special screening of the "National Documentation Project" of Hostages and the Families of Hostages' on Sunday. The event was sponsored by the Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) and Israel's National Public Diplomacy Directorate.

Zohar spoke about the emotional weight of the Oct. 7 anniversary, which coincides with Neutra’s upcoming 23rd birthday on Oct. 14.

“He was one of the first celebrating his birthday in captivity... we strive for hope, and we remain hopeful that they will all come back,” Zohar said, reflecting on the toll the year has taken on the family.

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Omer’s family continues to make efforts to secure his release. “Omer's parents live in the States, so they are doing most of the efforts in the U.S.... We are working tirelessly with anyone and everyone that has any contact to the matter,” Zohar explained.

The release of other hostages over the course of the year has provided occasional moments of promise for the family. “Every time a hostage comes back, they just give you so much air and hope... these families are like our extended families,” Zohar said, underscoring the close-knit bond among the hostages’ loved ones.

Zohar called on the Christian community to continue praying for the release of the hostages.

“We would appreciate the Christian community to keep on praying for the hostages to be released and come back to their families safe and sound,” he said.

Click below to listen to Zohar speaking at the GPO event.