(September 20) - Prime Minister Ehud Barak called the Olympic delegation in Sydney yesterday to congratulate swimmer Eitan Orbach and wish the rest of the team good luck.
"We are very proud to see you in Sydney and jealous that you get to see the Olympics from there," Barak told Orbach. "We are really happy to know that there are only seven swimmers in the whole world who swim faster than you do."
Asked if he is enjoying the Games, Orbach told Barak that he has not attended any of the events yet, as he is trying to concentrate on his races.
"I haven't gone out to anything yet, but it's still an amazing experience to be here," Orbach said. "I hope that the 4x100m. medley team will swim in the finals on Saturday night, and then I'll have two-and-a-half days to enjoy the rest of the Games."
Barak also spoke to Efraim Zinger, chief of the delegation, and rhythmic gymnast Or Tokayev.
Barak obviously hasn't been keeping a close eye on the Olympics, as he asked Tokayev about her event. She responded: "I haven't competed yet, and I'm still preparing."
Concluding their short conversation, he asked Tokayev and Orbach to pass on a message of "good luck" to the rest of the team.