Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
The family of Cpt. Omer Neutra, whose body was returned from Gaza, at his November 7, 2025 funeral at the Kiryat Shaul Military Cemetery in Tel Aviv (Danor Aharon/Israeli Pro-Democracy Protest Movement)
At Captain Omer Neutra’s funeral in Tel Aviv, attended by thousands, the ceremony is led by comic Guri Alfi, a friend of the family.
“He became a bridge and a spirit that surges within all of us,” says Alfi.
Neutra is also eulogized by IDF commanders, cousins and lifelong friends from the US, by his childhood rabbi from Long Island, and by artist Ishay Ribo, who sings at the funeral.
Former IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi, former defense minister Yoav Gallant and released hostage Nimrod Cohen, who was a member of Neutra’s tank crew, are all present at the funeral.
Released hostage Nimrod Cohen at Omer Neutra’s funeral in Tel Aviv on November 7, 2025 (Paulina Patimer/ Hostages Forum)
His commander notes that Neutra could have had “a much easier life, but chose something else” so that he could serve the land he loved.
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From the Liveblog of
Friday, November 7, 2025
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