Magen David: Israel’s Flag and Anthem. Hope is not wishful thinking

News From Jerusalem

by Tom Brennan,

Israel’s blue and with flag with the multi-pointed star in central position is instantly recognizable. What is the origin of this dramatic banner? The National anthem, Hatkiva, is translated as “Hope”. There is more than meets the eye or ear about these two symbols of a nation reborn after 2 millennia of dispersal to the world of nations.

The Magen David, Shield of David is comparatively new to history. Hollywood productions aside, it was not the emblem on shields of David’s mighty ones or a flag flown from the top of Solomon’s chariot fortresses. The six-pointed star is found in ancient Near Eastern cultures as a decorative item. Only in fairly recent times has it been associated consistently with Judaism. The flag of Zionism was designed by an American Jew, Morris Harris who was born in Lithuania. He and his family set up an awning company in New York and he invented several awning related devices and an air pump still in use. Harris a=was a successful designer and inventor and produced flags, banners and awnings from the shop. He utilized the by now recognizable Magen David and placing blue stripes on the borders, in similar fashion as a prayer shawl, or tallit. The blue and white colors of the tallit were ordained by the Almighty to remind the Israelites of the Torah. The flag of Zionism was designed in 1897 and became the basic design for today’s Israel national banner. Today the flag of Israel is perhaps the most instantly recognized banner in the world.

Ha’ Tikva is the Israeli national anthem. The lyrics were written in the 1880’s in the Ottoman Province that became Israel by Naftali Herz Imber , a Jew from Galicia. It means “the hope” but this is not wishing upon a star or daydreaming about some future event. The Hebrew concept of hope means a sure promise that can be depended upon, something promised by The Almighty in Scripture. G-d conducts His business with us by covenant and He holds up His part more than adequately, especially when we don’t. As mainstream media continues on its negative trail on anti-Israel and anti-Semitic reporting, we can take confidence in the “hope” that is Israel’s National Anthem and the flag reminds all of the shield of David and the blue and white of a prayer shawl. No eagles, no bluster and boasting: only promises made 3,500 years ago and which are still alive today. Israel will endure.

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