Does the symbol and colours on the Israeli flag represent..............?

Question

Jewish history, culture, and Zionist ideology?

Although they do not represent non-Jewish minorities that live in Israel. May Israel's symbols remain exclusively Jewish and Zionist, or should they be changed to represent all the citizens of the state?

The flag of Israel was originally the banner of the World Zionist Organization, and was first adopted as the flag of the Zionist Congress in 1897. It soon came to be recognized as the Zionist flag for Jewish communities throughout the world, and was hung behind David Ben-Gurion at the ceremony of the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel.

The emblem of Israel was designed in Israel and was adopted nine months after the establishment of the state. It appears on official documents, the presidential standard, and public buildings in Israel and abroad. The seven-branched candelabrum of the ancient Jewish temple -- the menorah -- occupies the center of the emblem. The menorah is the oldest known symbol associated with the Jewish people, and appears on ancient coins, mosaic floors, and decorative glass. The menorah depicted is based on that seen on the Arch of Titus in Rome. The menorah is surrounded by two olive branches, expressions of the Jewish people's love for peace. On the bottom is the word "Israel," both the name of the state and a reference to a longer phrase, "Shalom al Israel" (Peace over Israel) which appears below the menorah in the sixth-century mosaic floor of the synagogue in Jericho.

Israel's national anthem, Hatikvah ("The Hope"), was written by Naftali Herz Imber and was set to music in Palestine in the early 1880s. It is about the hope of the Jews to return to Israel through 2,000 years of exile.

How do any of these symbols act as symbols for the non-jewish minority living there?

Sue: The Star of David is a common symbol of Jewish People not Christians or Muslims, unless someone can show me a link?

The Magen David (shield of David, or as it is more commonly known, the Star of David) is the symbol most commonly associated with Judaism today, but it is actually a relatively new Jewish symbol. It is supposed to represent the shape of King David's shield (or perhaps the emblem on it), but there is really no support for that claim in any early rabbinic literature. In fact, the symbol is so rare in early Jewish literature and artwork that art dealers suspect forgery if they find the symbol in early works.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/star.html

Gamla I'm not demanding a change in your flag, I'm suggesting that shouldn't some of the symbols in the country be made to include the non-jewish citizens?

This same information that I'm asking has already been asked by the knesset in Israel!!!!! In order to make a constitution and make true democracy!!!! Check out the website people!! Was just wondering what you all think about it?
http://www.cfisrael.org//home.html

Gamla Joe: The Druze are treated different from other non-Jews:
The Druze community in Israel is officially recognized as a separate religious entity with its own courts (with jurisdiction in matters of personal status - marriage, divorce, maintenance and adoption) and spiritual leadership. Their culture is Arab and their language Arabic but they opted against mainstream Arab nationalism in 1948 and have since served (first as volunteers, later within the draft system) in the Israel Defense Forces and the Border Police.

Any group that has their own court system should have their own flag.

Riviva where do you see Mimi, she must be much loved.

Answer 1

None what so ever.

Answer 2

Israel is the Jewish homeland so I personally think the flag is appropriate. No other country alters its' flag, even when there are people of many different faiths living there.

And just to correct B - Israel is a democracy. Every citizen gets to vote, and they all have the same rights and freedoms, whatever their religion. Around 30% are not Jewish, and they are as free as any Jew and have the same opportunities.

Answer 3

Something is so simple and yet for some people so hard to understand.

Israel is the JEWISH State.

Israel is the homeland of the Jews.

There are other people living here - they are the minorities. However the flag is the symbol of Israel as the JEWISH State. I wonder why that is a problem for you.

Answer 4

Have you ever looked at the flag of England or Scotland?

The Flag of England is the St George's Cross
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_England

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_scotland

I have not heard of any Atheists, Muslims, or Jews in the UK demanding a change in these flags.

Nor have I heard anyone say that the UK is not a democracy because of it.

Every other nation, every other culture, are free to express their cultural and religious symbols without any problems, even if they are not perfectly inline with every individual.

Only Israel is not allowed. I am sick of defending what is the norm in every other place on earth.

Edit--
Israeli Arabs are free to create whatever symbol/flag/or seal that they feel defines them. In fact I would encourage them to do so, but how much sense would it make for Israeli Jews to do it for them?

On a last note Israeli Druze have managed to do so, and I do not think anyone has a problem with it.
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/il_druze.html#idf

Answer 5

The only symbol on the Isreali flag is a Shield of David, which is NOT a Jewish, (exclusively), but an historical symbol. It is embraced by Christians of all stripes, and I imagine, may be embraced by Muslims, as well, as David is considered one of their ancestors, too (I think). Thus, it represents all three major religions, and all the groups within the borders.

Answer 6

I think PB has the right way of thinking. We live in the US...the country was founded on the Christian belief system. Although it was open to all other religions those systems stay in place.
Israel was founded on the Jewish belief system...the need for a home for all Jews. It is open to all others to live there if they so choose, but "she" is entitled to keep her systems in place

Answer 7

"Gamla I'm not demanding a change in your flag, I'm suggesting that shouldn't some of the symbols in the country be made to include the non-jewish citizens?"

I wonder, Mimi, do you suggest that shouldn't some of the symbols in the country of Iran/Other Muslim country be made to include the non-Muslim citizens?

Answer 8

AS FOR THE COLORS

By Ludwig August Frankl (1810-1894).

When sublime feelings his heart fill,
He is mantled in the colors of his country
He stands in prayer, wrapped
In a sparkling robe of white.

The hems of the white robe
Are crowned with broad stripes of blue;
Like the robe of the High Priest,
Adorned with bands of blue threads.

These are the colors of the beloved country,
Blue and white are the borders of Judah;
White is the radiance of the priesthood,
And blue, the splendors of the firmament.

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

Wow, I'm surprised by how far people will go to fault something they don't like.

No, Israel's flag should not be changed....

Answer 11

Attempted symbolism to represent a proper country.

Just remember zion, you need Palestine to recognise you first.