In my last column, I wrote about how Israel has returned to a semblance of normality since the ceasefire in Gaza. Things are much more relaxed here now that air-raid sirens have become a thing of the past. Our spirits have been lifted by the return of the 20 living hostages from Gaza. And the return of most of the dead hostages has provided a measure of comfort to their families and to the country.

I am writing this a few hours after the funeral of hostage Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old from New York who decided to serve in the Israeli army. He considered my Tel Aviv suburb of Ra’anana home during his army service. On Oct. 7, 2023, he was the tank commander of a four-man crew near Gaza when the area was invaded by Hamas terrorists. He was killed in battle and his body taken to Gaza – and only

See Full Page