Who was her great uncle? President Chayim Herzog!

Another friend of mine who made aliyah counts Dan Meridor as a close family friend. Meridor, if you aren't familiar, is a top Israeli government official, having served as a MK, Minister of Justice, and now serves in the cabinet as Minister without Portfolio, responsible for national defense and diplomatic strategy. My friend visits with Meridor frequently.

I can't imagine having seder here in the United States with President Bush or go to Shabbat dinner at Sec'y Rumsfeld's home. Things are just more familial in Israel, to say the least.

Imagine the pride that the nation feels now that Gal Friedman has won Israel's first Olympic gold medal in windsurfing.

I read of Friedman's win in August while surfing (pardon the pun) the net on a cruise ship in the Mexican Riviera (I still think it is amazing that it's possible to do this from the middle of the ocean.)

While the US racked up 103 medals, the most of any nation, Israel earned just two -- Friedman's medal and Ariel Zeevi's bronze in 100kg men's judo.

I felt so happy for Friedman's and Zeevi's individual efforts, but much more so for the nation as a whole.

When something this momentous happens in such a small country, it is nothing less than a national event. Here's what Prime Minister Sharon wrote to Friedman upon his historical achievement:

"Gal, an entire nation held its breath this afternoon during your last race.

We were all excited to see you win and to see you wave the Israeli flag.

We always knew that you were worthy of a gold medal, and today you achieved it.

The security and emotional calm that you showed throughout the competition were exceptional and have earned you an honored place in Israeli and world sporting chronicles.

You are truly a great athlete and the entire nation shared your joy today and is proud of you -- very, very proud of you.

Thank you again from all of us and good luck as you continue your sporting path. You have our warmest congratulations.

We are waiting to see you and I am certain that you will be successful in the future."

For the first time ever, HaTikva was played at the Olympics. Watching the celebrants in the stands, singing their hearts out, as the Israeli flag was raised brought me to tears.

The little nation of Israel, fighting for its survival every day, was finally able to have a moment of peace, to be the best in the world at something athletic, something normal, and to have its moment in the sun.