I5: 50 Years of Israel

Issue Navigation:

The Flag of Israel

On October 1948, the State of Israel adopted the white background, blue stripes and blue Star of David (see picture)as the flag of Israel. The Provisional Council of the State had decided to keep the design of the Zionist flag which was first used at the First Zionist Congree in Basle, 1897.

The flag was designed by one of the most distinguished Zionist leaders, David Wolfsohn, who was given the responsibility to choose something symbolic to hang in the hall at the Congress. After giving the matter much thought, it struck him - the tallit (prayer shawl) that millions of Jews wrap themselves in when they pray: that is our symbol. Wolfsohn decided to "take the tallit from its bag and unroll it before the eyes of all nations." So, a white flag was ordered with a blue Magen David in the middle, and a thick blue line on the top and on the bottom. This was instantly adopted as the Zionist flag, and subsequently the Flag of Israel.

The Emblem of the State of Israel

The official emblem of the State of Israel (see above) was adopted by the government in 1949. Set in a shield, the focus of the emblem is the menorah (seven branched candelabrum), the ancient biblical symbol of the Jewish people. The menorah is flanked on either side by two olive branches, representing the desire of the Jewish people for peace. Olive branches have been synonymous with peace since Noah sent the dove to find dry land (Genesis 8:11) and are therefore extremely appropriate. Under the menorah, the ends of the olive branches are linked by the word ISRAEL, in Hebrew letters.

The National Anthem of the State of Israel

Hatikvah - The Hope

So long as still within our breasts
The Jewish heart beats true,
So long as still towards the East,
To Zion, looks the Jew,
So long as our hopes are not yet lost,
Two thousand years we cherished them,
To live in freedom in our land
Of Zion and Jerusalem.

Kol od ba-le-vav pe-ni-mah
Ne-fesh ye-hu-di ho-mi-yah,
U-le-fa-a-tay miz-rach ka-di-mah
Ay-in le-Tzi-yon tzo-fi-yah,
Od loh av-dah tik-va-tay-nu
Ha-tik-vah bat shnot al-pa-yim,
Li-yot am chof-shi be-ar-tzay-nu,
B'eretz Tzi-yon vi-ru-sha-la-yim.

Next Page