Israeli flag hoisted at Olympic village

The blue-and-white delegation affixes a mezuza to the dormitory door

The Olympic Village got a little bluer and whiter Wednesday evening, as the Israeli team hoisted its flag, heralding the team’s arrival at the international sports competition.

Every country raises its flag upon entering the residential compound, where athletes from all over the world eat, sleep, work out and relax during the two weeks of the Olympic games.

The Israeli team added an extra touch, hammering a mezuza, or traditional Jewish scroll in a small box, into the doorjamb of its building.

The Israeli flag at the Olympic village (photo credit: courtesy of Israel Olympic Committee)

While some Israelis had been in London since last week, the head of the delegation, Efraim Zinger, arrived with a large group Wednesday. All members were present for the hoisting of the flag.

The group was under tight security, and Israeli swimmer Yaakov Toumarkin told Israeli reporters it seemed to him there were more guards than athletes.

Four other countries held their ceremony at the same time. Cyprus, Spain, Senegal and Switzerland all raised their flags along with Israel, and the anthems were played.

Olympic tradition dictates that every delegation give the manager, or “mayor,” of the Olympic village a present. Zinger handed his new host a sketch of an ancient map of Jerusalem, painted on parchment.

Israeli Swimmers Amit Ivri and Imri Ganiel enter the Olympic village (photo credit: courtesy of Israel Olympic Committee)

As the national anthem played, the Israelis present were doubtless hoping it would not be the only time they heard the tune during the Games, and that the next time would involve a podium, an athlete, and a gold medal.