By Erica Lyons
Managing Editor

The Beijing Olympics held its final grand ceremony on 24 August after seventeen days of highs and lows, simchas and sadness, but mostly a spirit of pride and peace. Just one Israeli left the games with a medal this year.

Twenty-two year old Shahar Zubari of Eilat won the bronze medal in windsurfing. Historically, sailing sports have been a good event for the Israelis, as three of their seven Olympic medals in 56 years of participation in the Olympic Games have been in sailing. Israel’s only gold medal was won by Gal Fridman in sailing in the 2004 Athens Games.