Moran Samuel has become one of Israel’s most inspiring athletes, admired not only for her medals but also for her resilient spirit in every competition. Born in Karmiel, she grew up playing basketball and made it to the Israel women’s national team until a spinal injury altered her path. She then turned to rowing, demonstrating remarkable determination and eventually winning a gold medal in women’s single sculls at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
In 2012, when she won the gold medal at an international rowing competition in Gavirate, Italy, the organizers did not have a recording of the Israeli national anthem, so Samuel took a loudspeaker and sang “Hatikvah ” herself. In that instant, she was more than an athlete: She embodied defiance, pride, and hope for an entire nation.
Samuel is a knight of the Peres Peace Center, recognized for her efforts in fostering peace and empowerment through sports. Following the October 7 attacks, she seized global attention.