In honor of her birthday, a memorial swim was held in Re'ut to remember Captain Eden Nimri, may she rest in peace.

Around 100 swimmers gathered for a special swim marking what would have been the 25th birthday of Captain Eden Nimri RIP, Israel's swimming vice-champion, who was killed in action defending Nahal Oz on October 7, after heroically saving many lives.

The emotional event was held at the Re'ut swimming pool, led by the swimming community, family, and friends — honoring Eden’s spirit, values, and legacy. Her father shared words written about her by Liri Elbag: “Even there, in Nahal Oz, she spread love.”

Eden’s mother and sister at the birthday memorial event | Photo: Private

The event brought together swimmers of all ages: members of the Maccabi P.M. Re’ut club, masters swimmers who swam alongside her father Michael, close friends from her swimming journey, representatives from other clubs, and her family.

The atmosphere was moving and symbolic — reflecting the spirit of courage, unity, love of the water, and the values Eden proudly stood for.Before entering the water, a short and emotional ceremony was held, during which Eden's parents, Sharon and Michael, and her former coach, Netzer Shomer Shalom, spoke.

The memorial swim in honor of Eden Nimri RIP | Photo: Private

Michael, Eden’s father and a swimmer himself, shared: 

“Eden was supposed to be celebrating her 25th birthday. While a memorial day is filled with sorrow and loss, her birthday gives us the opportunity to celebrate the moment she entered our lives — a sweet, smart, and radiant baby girl.”

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Michael spoke about Liri Albag, a released hostage who returned to Israel and chose to visit the family to share meaningful moments she experienced with Eden — just two days before the October 7th attack. Liri described how Eden, with compassion and unconditional love, embraced and supported five young female observers who had just arrived at the Nahal Oz post. Although Eden wasn’t their commander and didn’t even serve in the same corps, she approached them, encouraged them, and told them, “Good luck with the training. The formalities are over.” She showed them her room and said they could come to her with anything.

Eden Nimri z”l with friends in Re'ut | Photo: Private

Sharon, Eden’s mother, added in moving words: 

“This year, we chose not only to remember – but also to celebrate. Eden’s birthday falls two days before she was born, and from that moment on, she brought so much light into our lives – kindness, wisdom, strong values, and deep compassion. 

We had the privilege of raising a remarkable daughter – beautiful, intelligent, sensitive, and brave, who always followed her heart and her truth in everything she did. Eden left behind a legacy of inspiration, a role model not only through her heroic actions in the most difficult moments but in the way she lived her life every single day. 

It is the greatest honor to be her parents, even though the pain is immense. We choose to remember the light she was – and to continue spreading it forward.” Follow us for more Twitter : https://goo.gl/KhgKGD

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