Ambassador Matthew Gould marked his first Purim in the job by hosting a party marking less than 500 days until the start of the 2012 London Olympics.

Mr Gould came dressed as Israeli footballer Yossi Benayoun in honour of the theme, while his pregant wife Celia opted for an Olympic gold medal costume.

Among the 250 guests were Knesset members Yoel Hasson and Zvi Hauser. Others were unidentifiable in outfits ranging from the Gods of Olympus to Hugh Hefner and Colonel Gaddafi.

Photos: Mati Milstein / British Embassy Tel Aviv