Father of Slain Israeli Soldier Tamir Nimrodi Reveals Son's 'Genius Secret Move' in Hamas Captivity

In a heartfelt eulogy, the father of IDF soldier Tamir Nimrodi, whose body was recently returned from Gaza after he was murdered while held captive by Hamas, disclosed a previously undisclosed "genius move" his son made during his ordeal, hoping it would save his life.

Alon Nimrodi spoke at his funeral on Thursday, sharing emotional memories of his eldest son, who was abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

Tamir's remains were repatriated to Israel as part of the recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, alongside living hostages.

"I've spoken so many times, told so many stories about you, given so many speeches, cried out so much," Alon said. "And now? Now I can't find the words. I don't know what to write. My beloved, precious Tamir. How do you eulogize a son? In what kind of perfect world does a father have to eulogize his firstborn?"

Recalling the moment he learned of the kidnapping, Alon described seeing footage of Tamir's terrified face as terrorists beat him and his comrades, Ron Sherman and Nick Beizer, both also killed in captivity.

"From that first moment, when it was clear you'd been taken and I saw your beautiful, soft face with that look of sheer terror and fear, I knew I was going to war to bring you home, to bring back your smile."

Alon detailed his relentless advocacy over the past two years, traveling worldwide to meet with presidents, prime ministers, ministers, the Pope, and religious leaders. "I told them all that you and the hostages are the future of the world, not just Israel," he said.

Despite personal hardships like recovering from leg surgery or a slipped disc, he pressed on. "I fought in every possible way... for 740 days of hell, without air to breathe, with one clear goal: to bring you home."

Painting a vivid picture of Tamir's personality, Alon called him a "magical child" witty, smart, verbal, with a "melting smile" and bone-crushing hugs. "How you'd sneak up behind me with sleepy eyes after a good nap, yelling, 'Dad, give me a hug!' and not wait for an answer, just come over and hug me tight, warm, and powerful.

I'd say, 'Tamir, you're going to break my rib.' Now, I'd do anything for you to break all my ribs with your hug. Just hug me!"

He reminisced about family movie nights filled with laughter that "shook the house," late-night chats with sisters Mika and Amit, and Tamir's love for cooking elaborate meals after army leave. "I'd bring you a whole supermarket as a gift, just come back on your feet, my love."

Alon revealed Tamir had struggled with anxiety as a child and teen, taking medication he later abandoned upon enlisting in the IDF.

"You fought bravely against your own fears," he said.

Then came the revelation: Moments after his abduction, despite his initial terror, Tamir quickly composed himself and devised a clever plan to avoid further beatings from his captors.

"You made a genius move that was secret until now, and it will be talked about more," Alon said, without elaborating on details.

Tragically, it didn't save him.The eulogy comes amid ongoing grief from the October 7 attacks, with families like the Nimrodis advocating for full hostage returns and accountability. Alon's words underscore the personal toll: "To our great sorrow and the immense breaking of our hearts, it didn't help."