Fallen Tank Commander Captain Omer Nowtra has been Returned to Israel for Burial

The remains of Captain Omer Nowtra, 22, an Israel Defense Forces officer who was abducted and killed during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, were returned to Israel this evening (Sunday–Monday). His father, Ronen Nowtra, confirmed:

“My son is finally on the land of Israel. There is hope after you, says God, and the sons have returned to their borders. How much pain and how much relief.”

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Hamas had returned Nowtra’s remains to Israel and that he had spoken personally with his parents.

 “With heavy heart and deep relief”

In a statement from New York, the Kidnapped Families Forum said:

“With a heavy heart and a deep sense of relief, we share the news that the late Captain Omar Nowtra has finally been returned to be buried in the Land of Israel.
For so long, the Nowtra family lived in the impossible—waiting for certainty, clinging to hope, bearing the never-ending pain of not knowing. Now they can bury Omar with the respect he deserves. Omer has returned to the country he loved and served. The courage and determination of his parents and brothers touched countless hearts around the world. May his memory be blessed.”

Heroic stand at Nir Oz

Captain Omer Nowtra, originally from Long Island, commanded Tank No. 3 of his battalion on the morning of October 7, 2023. Alongside his crew—Nimrod Cohen, Oz Daniel, and Shaked Dahan—he was stationed at the “White House” outpost near Nir Oz when Hamas launched its unprecedented attack.

As the assault began, the crew entered the tank and opened fire to defend the position. However, according to IDF reports, the tank suffered a technical malfunction and was soon hit by anti-tank fire. The vehicle was disabled, and all four soldiers were captured.
The widely circulated image of a burning tank published by Hamas that morning was later identified as Nowtra’s tank—the only one from which the entire crew was kidnapped.

A year of uncertainty

For over a year, the Nowtra family lived with agonizing uncertainty about their son’s fate. Only in December 2024 were they formally informed by Israeli authorities that Omar had been killed during the initial attack.

The sole survivor of the crew, Nimrod Cohen, was returned to Israel when the war concluded, providing partial details of the final battle and capture.

Ten hostages still in Gaza

According to the IDF, ten Israeli hostages remain in the Gaza Strip:
Maj. Gen. Ran Gueili, Sgt. Itay Chen, Sgt. Oz Daniel, Col. Assaf Hammi, Lt. Hadar Goldin, Dror Or, Manny Goddard, Lior Rudaif, Joshua Luito Molal, and Sontisek Rintalk.

Efforts to secure their return—alive or deceased—continue through negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

Final journey home

Captain Omer Nowtra’s return marks both a moment of closure and renewed sorrow for his family and the broader Israeli public. His burial will take place in the coming days with full military honors.

President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to attend the ceremony or issue formal tributes honoring his service and sacrifice.