As noted late last week, Israeli gymnast, Artem Dolgopyat, won the men’s individual gold medal in the floor exercise. As you know, gold medal winners hear their national anthem while on the top step of the medal podium. Below is video of the medal ceremony.

Israel’s national anthem, HaTikvah (meaning “The Hope”) is a bit more solemn than most, but considering their history and their rebirth, it is very fitting. They are a people of great hope! Though much more poignant in Hebrew, take note of the lyrics in English:

As long as within our hearts

As long as forward to the East

To Zion, looks the eye –

Our hope is not yet lost,

It is two thousand years old,

To be a free people in our land

The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Congratulations on Israel’s second gold medal ever, following Gal Friedman in men’s windsurfing in 2004!