Israel Honours fallen swimmer Eden Nimri in Olympic logo

The Olympic Committee of Israel has unveiled a poignant tribute to Captain Eden Nimri, a professional swimmer and soldier killed during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on the Nahal Oz IDF base. In a special Memorial Day commemoration, the committee has redesigned its official logo to feature the Hebrew word for “Israel” written in Nimri’s own handwriting, immortalizing her legacy.

Nimri, a standout athlete, represented Israel at the 2018 European Junior Open Water Swimming Championships and the 2017 World Championships organized by the International School Sport Federation. Her courage in and out of the pool defined her life.

As a commander in the elite all-female “Sky Riders” unit, Nimri displayed extraordinary bravery on that fateful day. During the Hamas assault, she fought terrorists attacking an on-base bomb shelter, sacrificing her life to enable 11 fellow soldiers to escape.

Her mother, Sharon, shared, “This is the second Memorial Day without Eden, but her inspiration and her bravery are always with us. The decision to memorialize her through her handwriting is moving and profound.” She added, “Seeing her handwriting preserved in this way is deeply emotional and meaningful. It proves once again how significant she was in her life—and how significant she will remain.”

The tribute extends beyond the logo. Israeli Olympic athletes will post personalized graphics featuring Nimri’s handwriting on social media, honoring her memory and the values of courage and dedication she embodied.

Sivan Fischler, Deputy CEO of the Olympic Committee, stated, “The commemoration of Eden Nimri through her handwriting is not just a personal and emotional tribute. It’s a powerful reminder of courage, perseverance, and dedication, values that lie at the heart of both sport and service.”

The initiative aligns with the “Forever Written” project (“Ot Zikaron” in Hebrew), which creates fonts from fallen soldiers’ handwriting to preserve their legacies in collaboration with their families. Nimri’s story, now etched in Israel’s Olympic identity, continues to inspire athletes and the nation.