Jerusalem of Gold: Raisman invited to Israel

By GIL HOFFMAN, JPOST

Exclusive: Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein invites Jewish-American medalist Aly Raisman and her family for first Israel visit.
When American sports superstars celebrate victory, they traditionally go to Disneyland.

But gold-medal winning gymnast Aly Raisman could end up celebrating in Jerusalem after Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein sent an invitation Thursday to Raisman and her family to make their first visit to Israel.

Raisman, 18, became a household name worldwide last week when she performed her floor routine to the tune of “Hava Nagila,” making her the first US woman to win gold in that event. She won another gold medal for the performance of the US women’s gymnastics team she captained and a bronze in the balance-beam competition.

When asked why she chose to perform to “Hava Nagila,” she said she was proud to be Jewish and she wanted to represent her heritage at the Olympics. She said that while she did not choose the song in honor of the 11 Israeli sportsmen who were murdered at the Munich Olympics in 1972, she dedicated her medals to them and she would have stood for a moment of silence in their memory had the International Olympic Committee accepted requests for such a gesture.

“Having that floor music wasn’t intentional,” Raisman said in a New York Post cover story under the banner headline “Star of David.”

“The fact it was on the 40th anniversary is special, and winning the gold today means a lot to me. If there had been a moment’s silence, I would have supported it and respected it.”

Edelstein wrote Raisman an impassioned letter congratulating her for her victories and for giving Americans yet another reason to be proud. In the letter, which was obtained exclusively by The Jerusalem Post, Edelstein said Israelis were moved by her performance and her recent statements.

“I am sure you know that beyond your wonderful personal achievement, you also brought great pride to millions of Jews in Israel and around the world,” Edelstein wrote. “For me personally, as the minister in charge of relations with Diaspora Jewry, hearing why you chose the song made me realize that the concept of Kol Israel Arevim Zeh Lazeh [All Jews are responsible for one another] still holds true and that the Jewish people remain united no matter how far apart we may live. I was impressed that someone so young made such a monumental, ethical decision.”

Edelstein invited not only the 18-year-old gymnast, but also her parents, Lynn and Rick, her younger siblings Brett, Chloe, and Madison, as his guests.

“Making your first visit to Israel is not only important because it is the homeland of the Jewish people but also because you can contribute from your experience to the young generation of Israeli athletes,” wrote Edelstein, who has won international competitions in boxing and table tennis.

There have been calls from Israeli politicians this week to do more to prepare the country’s athletes for international competitions.

Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat announced Wednesday that she would appoint a team of experts to examine why Israel did not win a medal for the first time in a Summer Olympics since Seoul in 1988.

Edelstein’s ministry was in touch with the US Embassy in Tel Aviv and Raisman’s synagogue in Newton, Massachusetts, to make sure she received the invitation.

US Ambassador Dan Shapiro tweeted congratulations to Raisman in Hebrew.

“I am so proud of the American gymnast Aly Raisman,” Shapiro wrote. “She won the floor exercise and immediately dedicated her medal to the Israelis murdered in Munich. What an impressive decision.”

Raisman’s rabbi, Keith Stern of the Reform Temple Beth Avodah, said her family was not particularly observant, but very proudly Jewish.

“I’ve known Aly since she started pre-school here at my temple,” Stern told The Jerusalem Post. “She has always been a sweet, kind, dedicated girl. To see her dancing and tumbling to “Hava Nagila“ was overwhelming.

That a young Jewish-American girl would proudly and yes, courageously perform to what even most non-Jews know to be an Israeli folk song on the international stage was inspiring. That she did it 40 years after Munich is a proclamation of Jewish strength and pride and determination. I will never forget it.”

August 10, 2012 | 52 Comments »
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50 Comments / 52 Comments

  2. @ David Chase:

    You want Jewish unity and solidarity buy a ticket to Israel, buy a house and make a life. Everything else is bullshit.

    The “You” was not directed at you personally but a generic you, I should have said any Jew.

    Thanks for the invite.

  3. yamit82 Said:

    @ David Chase:

    What I objected to was your distinction between “ours” and “other” non- Israeli Jews. What she did was a great thing for the Jewish world, clear and simple, and it does’t matter what shul she goes to or where she lives.

    Chase if you are not living among us then I choose to draw

    Some Israelis and most Jews feel they need the support and approval of others Jews and non Jews. Not Me!!!

    We don’t need you, you need us so let’s call a spade a spade. What you would call exceptional-ism by western Jews, when looked closely there is little or nothing to attribute their accomplishments to being Jewish, (no Jewish content or context) and certainly nothing to tie them to Israel. Most are totally assimilated and wouldn’t know a Challah from a Chupa. Do you?

    I remember years ago there was speculation among Jews if the Cardinal of Paris a converted Jew to Catholicim would be elected Pope.

    Aaron Jean-Marie Lustiger: He was created cardinal in 1983 by Pope John Paul II. … Lustiger was born Aaron Lustiger in Paris, to nonobservant Ashkenazi Jews from B?dzin, …

    Jews were ready to take pride if such a selection had taken place. “See one of our boys made it”

    This is a Ghetto Jewish syndrome and it shows our own inherent lack of self confidence, security and above all weakness.

    You want Jewish unity and solidarity buy a ticket to Israel, buy a house and make a life. Everything else is bullshit.

    I live in Israel-in fact in Jerusalem but apparently you categorize which was just my point. With that said you can come and eat at my Shabbos table anytime. L’hitraot

  8. @ yamit82:

    You want Jewish unity and solidarity buy a ticket to Israel, buy a house and make a life

    You heard it here. Yamit (Uncle Nahum) said it.

    I agree, having said that I am sure most American Jews (can’t speak for Jews elsewhere in the world)can’t up and leave.

    However, I would recommend American Jews at least visit Israel and see first hand the land G-d provided for them and returned them to.

    I think this would at least ratchet up their Jewish pride.

    In fact my wife and I have crossed off Italy (see enough cousins around town) and Ireland as the place we want to visit and put Israel at the top.

    You know if G-d recommended the Holy Land for the Jews, what can I say. Sorry Mario Perillo.

  9. @ birdalone:

    Neta Rivkin was wonderful in the final. If they had medals for each apparatus, Rivkin would have won Bronze in Clubs, but maybe the resounding audience applause for her was enough. (yes, waiting for the jokes about why an Israeli woman be so handy with Clubs 🙂 )

    Meet Sarah N

  10. @ David Chase:

    What I objected to was your distinction between “ours” and “other” non- Israeli Jews. What she did was a great thing for the Jewish world, clear and simple, and it does’t matter what shul she goes to or where she lives.

    Chase if you are not living among us then I choose to draw distinctions.

    Some Israelis and most Jews feel they need the support and approval of others Jews and non Jews. Not Me!!!

    We don’t need you, you need us so let’s call a spade a spade. What you would call exceptional-ism by western Jews, when looked closely there is little or nothing to attribute their accomplishments to being Jewish, (no Jewish content or context) and certainly nothing to tie them to Israel. Most are totally assimilated and wouldn’t know a Challah from a Chupa. Do you?

    I remember years ago there was speculation among Jews if the Cardinal of Paris a converted Jew to Catholicim would be elected Pope.

    Aaron Jean-Marie Lustiger: He was created cardinal in 1983 by Pope John Paul II. … Lustiger was born Aaron Lustiger in Paris, to nonobservant Ashkenazi Jews from B?dzin, …

    Jews were ready to take pride if such a selection had taken place. “See one of our boys made it”

    This is a Ghetto Jewish syndrome and it shows our own inherent lack of self confidence, security and above all weakness.

    You want Jewish unity and solidarity buy a ticket to Israel, buy a house and make a life. Everything else is bullshit.

  12. yamit82 Said:

    @ David Chase:

    Why are you comparing?

    Comparing what?

    What Krazelburg did with Raisman. What does what Krazelburg did have to do Raisman’s achievement? You seem to be trying to diminish what she did. Why?

    As an athlete I know how much work, pain and dedication it takes for athletes to reach the top levels of their sports. So I do not denigrate any athlete. I am proud of Raisman for her individual accomplishment and she was deserving. I am proud of her because she is a Jewish champ in an element of her chosen sport. And if it isn’t Israeli success I always root for American athletes especially if they are Jewish, even reform ones.

    My objection if you want to call it an objection is from an Israeli POV, not specifically from any other including a Jewish one. I see those who seek to inject or graft into her accomplishment an Israel connection and identity, forced and undeserving. Here in Israel many athletes do not have financial sponsors, some choose to do national service even though for top athletes they get deferred or are allowed to train while in service, it takes away from their training and subsequent accomplishments. Those who do not get adequate funding must work to subsidize their basic living expenses.

    I would expect a site promoting Israel would promote our athletes ahead of non Israeli athletes even Jewish ones and even if they are Gold Medalists. We have some good athletes who are as if not more deserving of support than promoting non Israeli ones while ignoring our own. Call it Israeli pride and Patriotism.

    I didn’t mean to compare her with Krazelburg as an athlete, even though he has many more gold, silver and bronze medals to his credit or Dara Torres 12 medals, but that Krazelburg gave up a world competition, more potential medals,money and endorsements to participate in our Maccabiah Games showing in a real and concrete way his solidarity with Israel, Jewish sport and Jewish solidarity.

    I hoped to bring some perspective without diminishing her individual achievement. If I have any criticism or reservations it’s with the likes of you and not Raisman or her accomplishments.

    What I objected to was your distinction between “ours” and “other” non- Israeli Jews. What she did was a great thing for the Jewish world, clear and simple, and it does’t matter what shul she goes to or where she lives.

  13. now for the true conundrum: Israeli (from America)

    coach David Blatt leads Russian national basketball team to bronze
    August 12, 2012

    (JTA) — The Russian Olympic men’s basketball team, coached by Israeli-American David Blatt, took a bronze medal at the London games.

    The Russians played Argentina’s national team for the third place medal. The final score was Russia 81, Argentina 77.

    It is the first time Russia has won an Olympic medal in basketball since the fall of the Soviet Union.

    Blatt, who is currently the coach of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv team, has helped rebuild the Russian national team since being brought on as head coach in 2006, Sports Illustrated reported. Under Blatt, the Russian national team won the 2007 European Championship.

    He played for Princeton University from 1977 to 1981 and on the gold medal-winning U.S. team in the 1981 Maccabiah Games. Following the Maccabiah Games, Blatt joined an Israeli Super League team. He played for several Israeli teams until he was injured in 1993 and took up coaching.

    http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/08/12/3103676/israeli-american-coach-david-blatt-leads-russian-national-basketball-team-to-bronze

  14. Bernard Ross Said:

    Raisman’s rabbi, Keith Stern of the Reform Temple Beth Avodah, said her family was not particularly observant, but very proudly Jewish……..Edelstein wrote. “For me personally, as the minister in charge of relations with Diaspora Jewry, hearing why you chose the song made me realize that the concept of Kol Israel Arevim Zeh Lazeh [All Jews are responsible for one another] still holds true and that the Jewish people remain united no matter how far apart we may live.
    I wonder how true Edelstein’s comment is. It appears that there are many Jews who believe they are the only true Jews and that they would likely stone Raisman.

    What Raisman did promoted Jewish unity. Your comment does not.

    Saying that non-reform Jews would likely stone Raisman isn’t particularly unifying.

    yamit82 Said:

    @ David Chase:

    Why are you comparing?

    Comparing what?

    What Krazelburg did with Raisman. What does what Krazelburg did have to do Raisman’s achievement? You seem to be trying to diminish what she did. Why?

    As an athlete I know how much work, pain and dedication it takes for athletes to reach the top levels of their sports. So I do not denigrate any athlete. I am proud of Raisman for her individual accomplishment and she was deserving. I am proud of her because she is a Jewish champ in an element of her chosen sport. And if it isn’t Israeli success I always root for American athletes especially if they are Jewish, even reform ones.

    My objection if you want to call it an objection is from an Israeli POV, not specifically from any other including a Jewish one. I see those who seek to inject or graft into her accomplishment an Israel connection and identity, forced and undeserving. Here in Israel many athletes do not have financial sponsors, some choose to do national service even though for top athletes they get deferred or are allowed to train while in service, it takes away from their training and subsequent accomplishments. Those who do not get adequate funding must work to subsidize their basic living expenses.

    I would expect a site promoting Israel would promote our athletes ahead of non Israeli athletes even Jewish ones and even if they are Gold Medalists. We have some good athletes who are as if not more deserving of support than promoting non Israeli ones while ignoring our own. Call it Israeli pride and Patriotism.

    I didn’t mean to compare her with Krazelburg as an athlete, even though he has many more gold, silver and bronze medals to his credit or Dara Torres 12 medals, but that Krazelburg gave up a world competition, more potential medals,money and endorsements to participate in our Maccabiah Games showing in a real and concrete way his solidarity with Israel, Jewish sport and Jewish solidarity.

    I hoped to bring some perspective without diminishing her individual achievement. If I have any criticism or reservations it’s with the likes of you and not Raisman or her accomplishments.

    yamit82 Said:

    @ David Chase:

    Why are you comparing?

    Comparing what?

    What Krazelburg did with Raisman. What does what Krazelburg did have to do Raisman’s achievement? You seem to be trying to diminish what she did. Why?

    As an athlete I know how much work, pain and dedication it takes for athletes to reach the top levels of their sports. So I do not denigrate any athlete. I am proud of Raisman for her individual accomplishment and she was deserving. I am proud of her because she is a Jewish champ in an element of her chosen sport. And if it isn’t Israeli success I always root for American athletes especially if they are Jewish, even reform ones.

    My objection if you want to call it an objection is from an Israeli POV, not specifically from any other including a Jewish one. I see those who seek to inject or graft into her accomplishment an Israel connection and identity, forced and undeserving. Here in Israel many athletes do not have financial sponsors, some choose to do national service even though for top athletes they get deferred or are allowed to train while in service, it takes away from their training and subsequent accomplishments. Those who do not get adequate funding must work to subsidize their basic living expenses.

    I would expect a site promoting Israel would promote our athletes ahead of non Israeli athletes even Jewish ones and even if they are Gold Medalists. We have some good athletes who are as if not more deserving of support than promoting non Israeli ones while ignoring our own. Call it Israeli pride and Patriotism.

    I didn’t mean to compare her with Krazelburg as an athlete, even though he has many more gold, silver and bronze medals to his credit or Dara Torres 12 medals, but that Krazelburg gave up a world competition, more potential medals,money and endorsements to participate in our Maccabiah Games showing in a real and concrete way his solidarity with Israel, Jewish sport and Jewish solidarity.

    I hoped to bring some perspective without diminishing her individual achievement. If I have any criticism or reservations it’s with the likes of you and not Raisman or her accomplishments.

    Bernard Ross Said:

    @ David Chase: Your comment reminds me of the “emperors new clothes”. Lets pretend everything is as Edelstein says and and not draw any attention to anything which might conflict. How does your statement promote unity? My statement does more to promote unity than yours as I would like to see Jews stop throwing stones at other Jews rather than pretend it does not exist. Anyway, I do not wish to continue this discussion as it has nothing to do with this article, Edelstein’s words just struck me at the time but it is not important. You are welcome to your thoughts.

  15. @ David Chase: Your comment reminds me of the “emperors new clothes”. Lets pretend everything is as Edelstein says and and not draw any attention to anything which might conflict. How does your statement promote unity? My statement does more to promote unity than yours as I would like to see Jews stop throwing stones at other Jews rather than pretend it does not exist. Anyway, I do not wish to continue this discussion as it has nothing to do with this article, Edelstein’s words just struck me at the time but it is not important. You are welcome to your thoughts.

  16. @ David Chase:

    Why are you comparing?

    Comparing what?

    What Krazelburg did with Raisman. What does what Krazelburg did have to do Raisman’s achievement? You seem to be trying to diminish what she did. Why?

    As an athlete I know how much work, pain and dedication it takes for athletes to reach the top levels of their sports. So I do not denigrate any athlete. I am proud of Raisman for her individual accomplishment and she was deserving. I am proud of her because she is a Jewish champ in an element of her chosen sport. And if it isn’t Israeli success I always root for American athletes especially if they are Jewish, even reform ones.

    My objection if you want to call it an objection is from an Israeli POV, not specifically from any other including a Jewish one. I see those who seek to inject or graft into her accomplishment an Israel connection and identity, forced and undeserving. Here in Israel many athletes do not have financial sponsors, some choose to do national service even though for top athletes they get deferred or are allowed to train while in service, it takes away from their training and subsequent accomplishments. Those who do not get adequate funding must work to subsidize their basic living expenses.

    I would expect a site promoting Israel would promote our athletes ahead of non Israeli athletes even Jewish ones and even if they are Gold Medalists. We have some good athletes who are as if not more deserving of support than promoting non Israeli ones while ignoring our own. Call it Israeli pride and Patriotism.

    I didn’t mean to compare her with Krazelburg as an athlete, even though he has many more gold, silver and bronze medals to his credit or Dara Torres 12 medals, but that Krazelburg gave up a world competition, more potential medals,money and endorsements to participate in our Maccabiah Games showing in a real and concrete way his solidarity with Israel, Jewish sport and Jewish solidarity.

    I hoped to bring some perspective without diminishing her individual achievement. If I have any criticism or reservations it’s with the likes of you and not Raisman or her accomplishments.

  17. Bernard Ross Said:

    Raisman’s rabbi, Keith Stern of the Reform Temple Beth Avodah, said her family was not particularly observant, but very proudly Jewish……..Edelstein wrote. “For me personally, as the minister in charge of relations with Diaspora Jewry, hearing why you chose the song made me realize that the concept of Kol Israel Arevim Zeh Lazeh [All Jews are responsible for one another] still holds true and that the Jewish people remain united no matter how far apart we may live.
    I wonder how true Edelstein’s comment is. It appears that there are many Jews who believe they are the only true Jews and that they would likely stone Raisman.

    What Raisman did promoted Jewish unity. Your comment does not.

  18. yamit82 Said:

    @ David Chase:

    Only an Israeli e ecan have Israeli pride?

    Wasn’t my point but that’s a given. Just like only an American or Canadian can have their own specific National pride.

    For clarification- What’s the given?- Are you saying that just like only an American or Canadian can have their own national pride only an Israeli can have Israeli pride? In other words was it a given that only an Isreali can have Isreali pride or were you saying that so can a non-Israeli Jew like Raisman? You don’t seem to be giving her credit for what she did? Again, and what does what others have done have to do with her?

  19. @ David Chase:
    yamit82 Said:

    @ David Chase:

    Why are you comparing?

    Comparing what?

    What Krazelburg did with Raisman. What does what Krazelburg did have to do Raisman’s achievement? You seem to be trying to diminish what she did. Why?

  21. @ yamit82:

    I don’t believe she lost. For what I saw her routine was pretty darn good. You may not win a medal,
    competing in the Olympics itself is an achievement.

    Don’t forget there are judges who score you, it’s not like track and field where you have a start and a finish.

    You are at the mercy of the judges.

  22. yamit82 Said:

    steven l
    Deriugina Cup Kiev 2012 – Gala Neta Rivkin
    Our girl didn’t win a medal but she’s ours.
    Neta RIVKIN – Thiais 2012 Ribbon final

    Neta Rivkin was wonderful in the final. If they had medals for each apparatus, Rivkin would have won Bronze in Clubs, but maybe the resounding audience applause for her was enough. (yes, waiting for the jokes about why an Israeli woman be so handy with Clubs 🙂 )

    and, yamit82, thank you for the youtube URLs. I love watching Shatilov, and truly sad he did not medal on floor exercise. so elegant.

    may the Israeli rhythmic gymnastics team, and Zohar Zemiro in the men’s marathon, surprise the world on Sunday!

    btw, I read somewhere that Aly Raisman’s sister’s Bat Mitzvah is very soon. so much for quoting their rabbi.

  26. @ Bernard Ross:

    It is my understanding that the father is irrelevant as “Jewishness”, according to most forms of Judaism, passes through the mother. Although it is apparently the opposite for the Karaites and King David.

    I never said Edelstein’s mother was Jewish.

    He was born in Chernivtsi in the Soviet Union (today in Ukraine), Edelstein was an activist for Hebrew language learning. In 1984 he was arrested by Soviet authorities allegedly for drugs possession. He spent three and a half years in a labour camp in difficult conditions, and was seriously maimed. In 1987 he was released and allowed to immigrate to Israel.

  27. yamit82 Said:

    Some Jews do not accept reform Jews as _____,fill in the blank.

    I gather from this that you are in agreement with my observation and that perhaps Edelstein is overly optimistic regarding Jewish unity.
    yamit82 Said:

    Edelstein’s father converted to Russian Orthodoxy and became a Priest in their church. True he is not responsible for his father but…

    It is my understanding that the father is irrelevant as “Jewishness”, according to most forms of Judaism, passes through the mother. Although it is apparently the opposite for the Karaites and King David.

  29. @ Bernard Ross:

    Some Jews do not accept reform Jews as _____,fill in the blank. Especially their female lesbian rabbis.

    Edelstein’s father converted to Russian Orthodoxy and became a Priest in their church. True he is not responsible for his father but…

  30. Raisman’s rabbi, Keith Stern of the Reform Temple Beth Avodah, said her family was not particularly observant, but very proudly Jewish……..Edelstein wrote. “For me personally, as the minister in charge of relations with Diaspora Jewry, hearing why you chose the song made me realize that the concept of Kol Israel Arevim Zeh Lazeh [All Jews are responsible for one another] still holds true and that the Jewish people remain united no matter how far apart we may live.

    I wonder how true Edelstein’s comment is. It appears that there are many Jews who believe they are the only true Jews and that they would likely stone Raisman.

  31. What really matters is that she dedicated her medal to the murdered Israelis in Munich.
    What she or others did not do is irrelevant. Otherwise we are all guilty.
    Of note the non-neutral position of the NYT. Standard anti Zionist as usual.
    Many actions from the heart are not always INTENTIONAL!
    The song must have inspired her.

  32. @ yamit82:
    @ Ted Belman:

    Both Yamit and Ted have good points.

    I like the idea she was invited to Israel. This should awaken her Jewish heritage.

    You can be a great American and be proud to be Jewish and be proud of the Holy Land, Israel G-d provided for His people.

    Just maybe more American Jews would feel the same way.

  33. Yamit. I see your point and appreciate that you want recognition for all Jewish medal winners or for that matter all Jews with significant achievements like winning a Nobel Prize. You could have written, don’t forget so and so etc.

    My response would have been less had she not won in such a popular event, had she not been attractive, had she not worn her Jewishness on her sleve, had she not honoured the memory of the Munich Massacre, had she not warmed the hearts of many an Israeli or Jew, had she not been a young girl, had I not seen an opportunity in playing her victory up rather than down..

  34. @ birdalone:

    This goes to the heart of the matter for we Israelis. When Israel in the past did medal this and other blogs were silent. Even when Jewish and Olympians in the past excelled with medals this site and others were silent.

    Dara Torres and Mitch Gaylord for example. Nada a mention on Israpundit even when Israeli athletes medal’d in the past.

    Looking forward to watching the Israeli team in the rhythmic gymnastics finals on Saturday and Sunday.

    Me too they (Israel) were better I think than Spain.

    2004 Athens

    Gold

    Gal Fridman, Israel
    sailing

    Scott Goldblatt, USA
    swimming 4X200 freestyle relay

    Lenny Krayzelburg, USA
    swimming 4×100 medley relay

    Jason Lezak, USA
    swimming, 4×100 medley relay
    swimming, 4×400 medley relay

    2008 Bejing

    Gold

    Jason Lezak, USA
    swimming, 4×100 freestyle relay
    swimming, 4×100 medley relay

    Silver

    Vasyl Fedoryshyn, Ukraine
    wrestling, 60 kg

    Sada Jacobson, USA
    fencing, individual sabre

    Merrill Moses, USA
    Water Polo

    Dara Torres, USA
    swimming, 50m freestyle
    swimming, 4x100m freestyle
    swimming, 4x100m medley relay

    Josh West, Great Britain
    rowing, eights

    Bronze

    Sada Jacobson, USA
    fencing, team sabre

    Gisele Kanevsky, Argentina
    field hockey

    Jason Lezak, USA
    swimming, 100m freestyle

    Sharar Zubari, Israel
    windsurfing

    Garrett Weber-Gale, USA
    swimming, 4×100 freestyle relay
    swimming, 4×100 medley relay

    Ben Wildman-Tobriner, USA
    swimming, 4×100 freestyle relay

    We are not lacking in Jewish medal Olympians. Some of them till now were not recognized as being Jewish athletes just Americans or Russians etc.

  36. @ David Chase:

    Only an Israeli can have Israeli pride?

    Wasn’t my point but that’s a given. Just like only an American or Canadian can have their own specific National pride.

  39. Considering the Jew-hatred at the IOC, I was impressed that the judges were not influenced by Alexandra Raisman’s floor routine music – maybe the judges thought it was really a Ukrainian tune.

    Face it – if Alexander Shatilov had medalled with his floor exercise, Israel would not be so into Raisman 🙂

    After watching the women’s team synchronized swimming finals this morning, perhaps the 7th place Egyptian team will need asylum once the MB sees those bathing suits – no Burkas for these great athletes – quite an accomplishment to place 7th in such a demanding and highly competitive sport – USA did not even make it to the final eight.

    Looking forward to watching the Israeli team in the rhythmic gymnastics finals on Saturday and Sunday.

  44. @ zechariah823:
    Nothing is coincidental. HaShem is always in control. So, then how did this ‘non-intentional’ floor music come to be? Would be interesting for curiosity sake to track this down, don’t you think? How did HaShem do this?

    Here is the inside information. The original music was White Christmas but Hashem transformed the song into Hava Negilah. How was this done- Well I can’t reveal the technique.It is a theological trade secret.

  45. @ Ted Belman:

    I am certainly not playing her down I respect and honor her personal achievement.

    I do however believe you are playing her up to much more than her achievement warrants. Your blog your prerogative, I just voice my opinions. I saw her perform and she is good but she is American and not Israeli.

    What about Lenny Krayzelburg, USA Gold?
    swimming, 100-meter backstroke
    swimming, 200-meter backstroke
    swimming, 4×100-meter medley relay

    Krayzelburg gave up competing in the World Championships to compete in the Maccabiah Games here in Israel. At the time you devoted not a single post to our Maccabiah Games. I posted several comments on them.

    So why your special Hoopla over this exceptional young girl?

  46. @ zechariah823:
    I have seen and heard Hava Nagila played as background in many sporting events and even by non Jews. Skating pairs have used it as well at events and competitions using a musical background. Her coach a Romanian, who used to coach the Israel National Team choose the music and the choreography.

  47. I think she said she didn’t intend it as a memorial. She liked the lively tune. Also she wasn’t embarrassed to do the exercise to something so Jewish.

    Yamit. Why must you play her down. What have you got against her?

  48. @ yamit82:
    Nothing is coincidental. HaShem is always in control. So, then how did this ‘non-intentional’ floor music come to be? Would be interesting for curiosity sake to track this down, don’t you think? How did HaShem do this?

  50. Raisman’s rabbi, Keith Stern of the Reform Temple Beth Avodah, said her family was not particularly observant, but very proudly Jewish.

    “I’ve known Aly since she started pre-school here at my temple,” Stern told The Jerusalem Post. “She has always been a sweet, kind, dedicated girl. To see her dancing and tumbling to “Hava Nagila“ was overwhelming.

    That a young Jewish-American girl would proudly and yes, courageously perform to what even most non-Jews know to be an Israeli folk song on the international stage was inspiring. That she did it 40 years after Munich is a proclamation of Jewish strength and pride and determination. I will never forget it.”

    Raisman was speaking to reporters Tuesday following her gold medal performance in the floor exercise.

    “Having that floor music wasn’t intentional,” she said of her floor routine to the music of “Hava Nagila,” the New York Post reported Wednesday.