| Israel's national anthem Hatikva, which means "hope", speaks to the hearts of Israeli citizens. But perhaps, not all citizens. The anthem reiterates the Jewish people's longing to be a free people in the land of Israel, and discusses the Jewish spirit. However, about 20% of Israel's population consists of an Arab minority. We asked Jewish Israelis if they feel that Arabs should sing along to the Israeli national anthem, despite its meaning. Israel is defined as the Jewish state, and therefore uses Jewish symbols in its national anthem, its flag, along with other national laws that cater to Jewish traditions-such as holidays and the Jewish Sabbath. Israeli Arabs are at times faced with questions related to their ideology, and place in this country. On the one hand, they are citizens of this Jewish and democratic state, on the other, some may very well identify with the neighboring Palestinians, rather than with their fellow Jewish Israeli citizens. Sivan Raviv, JN1, Israel. |
