Parents of American-Israeli hostage tells RNC: Trump 'stands with American hostages’ held by Hamas

On sidelines of RNC, parents of Omer Neutra say hostage deal is 'urgent'

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The parents of American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra addressed the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night, telling the crowds that former U.S. President Donald Trump “stands with the American hostages.”

Omer’s father, Ronen Neutra, said Trump told them he has supported the the release of American hostages “right after the attack when Omer was taken captive” on Oct. 7, 2023.

“We know he stands with the American hostages,” Ronen said.

Omer’s parents are attending the RNC to raise awareness and support for the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. As they were introduced, the attendees began chanting, “Bring them home.”

Omer’s mother, Orna, shared about Omer’s birth in New York shortly after the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center.

“He was born in New York City, one month after 9/11. Eight months pregnant, I walked across the Queensborough Bridge toward home that day,” Orna said. “And here we are 23 years later, and he’s the victim of another vile terrorist attack.”

Omer's parents did not specifically call for a hostage release ceasefire deal from the stage, as they have at other events. Instead, they noted that the Hamas terror attack harmed Americans, as well as Israelis.

“During the brutal October 7 attack on Israel, over 1,200 people were slaughtered — of them, 45 were American citizens,” Ronen stated. “Where is the outrage? This was not merely an attack on Israel. This was and remains an attack on Americans.”

“We need our beautiful son back, and we need your support,” the parents told RNC attendees. “We need your support to end this crisis and bring all the hostages back home.”

Earlier, the two parents spoke at a press event organized by Concerned Women for America (CWA), where they spoke about the urgent need for a ceasefire deal.

“Everybody must come back,” Ronen told CWA President Penny Nance. “And by bringing them back, it’s going to bring a cease-fire to the area.”

Ronen said that the ceasefire would also calm Israel’s northern border.

“Hezbollah is going to stop shooting to the north of Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis can come back to their homes. This is the solution,” he said. “But it starts by bringing back the 120 hostages, among them eight Americans.”

Ronen and Orna told "The Hill" news site they are reaching out to both parties to “urge everybody to work together.”

“We are aware that we’re getting closer to the elections and as such, the different parties are pulling in different directions. But we urge everybody to work together,” Ronen said.

“We are calling on the two parties and the administration to work hand in hand, put the pressure on all the parties involved, to make sure that they reach a deal now. It’s urgent. People are dying there. There is a real opportunity on the table,” they added.