Israel-Hamas war: Family of hostage Omer Neutra hosts community basketball game to honor, celebrate their son’s 23rd birthday [Video]

NEW YORK (WABC) — More than a year after the October 7 attacks on Israel, the family of one hostage is reminding community members about their son, who is having his second birthday in captivity.

Friends and family members came to show their support for Long Island native Omer Neutra at a community basketball game on Sunday.

“We’re exhausted, absolutely. This has been a roller coaster of a year between hope and despair, and right now, negotiations are at a standstill,” said Omer’s mother, Orna Neutra.

The family last spoke to their son, who is in the Israeli military, just a day before Hamas attacked, claiming 1,200 lives and taking 240 hostages, including Omer.

“We’re hoping he’s okay, and I mean, there’s a good chance he doesn’t even know what day it is. He doesn’t know that it’s his birthday or if it is his birthday,” said Daniel Neutra, Omer’s brother.

Omer’s family refuses to give up hope and continues to cling to their belief in …