HaTikvah: Does Israel's National Anthem Mean Hope for All? | History of Israel Explained | Unpacked

Hatikvah - But is it hope for all?

On this week's History of Israel Explained, we’re looking at one of the most Israeli things out there - HaTikvah, or The Hope - Israel’s stirring, meaningful and, some might say, controversial national anthem.

Unlike other anthems that speak of triumph and victory, the Israeli anthem is a mash up between a Romanian folk-melody, a 16th-century Italian song, and the lyrical thoughts of a drunk romantic poet. Not exactly the stuff of nationalistic dreams, but like the State of Israel itself, Hatikvah is both a symbol of Jewish hope and identity and the anthem for a multicultural and multi-ethnic state dedicated to equality.

Whew, that’s a lot of pressure for a two-verse song.

So what exactly is so controversial about this hopeful song and why do some Israelis refuse to stand up when it’s played (which can be a controversy all of its own)?

Let us know what you think about Hatikvah, the role of anthems in general or any of the other topics we’ve discussed on History of Israel Explained. Drop your thoughts on this video in the comments below and remember to subscribe to our channel to make sure you don’t miss out on any upcoming videos.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:46 The original poem "Our Hope"
01:17 The original melody
01:48 The First Zionist Congress anthem
02:00 Herzl's competitions find replace the song
02:13 The HaTikvah in protest of the Uganda vote
02:33 A song of cultural identity for Jews returning to Israel
02:47 A song of resistance for Jews in the Holocaust
03:38 Censorship at world events
04:11 No militarism, no triumphalism, no violence
04:50 Both a homeland for Jews and a nation of equality
05:50 HaTikvah represents only Jewish aspirations
06:50 HaTikvah doesn't embody Jewish ideas enough
07:19 HaTikvah as Eurocentric
08:11 HaTikvah as embodying hope, peace, and endurance
09:09 Outro

Have an opinion about the topics you’d like to see us cover? Let us know below.

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Photo/Video Credit:
- Courtesy of Yad Vashem
- Courtesy of USHMM
- GPO Israel/MARK NEYMAN
- GPO Israel/Moshe Milner
- Gil Kremer, IDF Spokesperson's Unit
- திருச்சேறை ஜெயவீரன்
- Courtesy of Beit Hatfusot
- Courtesy of the Central Zionist Archive

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About History of Israel Explained: This series casts a new perspective on the history of the modern State of Israel, both pre and post 1948. We explore the inspiring highs and heartbreaking lows, and the everyday struggles of ordinary people. Understand how the Jewish State came to be by meeting prominent Zionist figures and learning about key historical events. Explore aspects of Israeli society, from its famous military to the meaning of the national anthem, and more.

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#Israel #Zionism #Hope

[yegfreethinker]

Israel's anthem is one of very few that can so easily move to tears. It's so heartfelt how one can one not feel the Jewish people's desire to be back in their homeland. So beautiful. Shalom.

[rr]

This Iranian jew and a great many like me we adore, stand, sing and tear up every time we hear Hatikvah. Lyrics are that just lyric. Hatikvah is about charachter of the song which is a lot more important than the lyrics.

[njabulosibisi]

I'm not Jewish or Middle Eastern but I connect so deeply with this anthem.❤🇮🇱

[johnr]

One of the most beautiful national anthems that you could ever hope to hear and with a deep and ancient meaning.  I am an American but feel a sense of pride when I hear this song.  And yes, I am also a fan of Jerusalem of Gold.

[victoretonu]

I'm a Nigerian, and I'm a Christian. But I connect with this anthem so much. The hope and the yearning to restore that which once was. I connect with the Hatikvah on every level and it's so inspiring.

[hannagg]

1000% pro Ha Tikvah!!! Will always be my/ our national Jewish anthem!!!! And Ive never heard a Mizrahi complain. They love it, just as much as anyone! Totally ridiculous. Whoever doesn’t like it can....

[somalikanye]

As a non jewish gentile who isn't even Israeli I love singing the Israeli national anthem

[andy]

This was really interesting - thank you.
I can't give an opinion as I'm neither Israeli nor Jewish but I do love the Jewish people AND the land of Israel.

[eyadkourdi]

Greetings from Syria where our National anthem starts with a stupid salut to our army who bombs the hell out of us 🤣 .
Hatikvah has maybe the nicest lyrics, I won't say it is racist specially after hearing its story but maybe Israeli Arabs who won't chant it should be understood :D

[robraw]

You guys should have played the full anthem at some point of the video as that was what I was expecting. Now I have to YouTube hatikvah

[DimitriEyonovich]

I am an American Christian and I sing this song when I get stressed out because it is optimistic and calming.

[johnr]

4:01 = National pride, pride in who you are, and pride in where you came from!

[upjoe]

Thank you so much for explaining this. Wish we could have heard HaTikvah itself in the video! :)

[janettucker]

Love the beautiful melody -- the only national anthem in a minor key. Perhaps more inclusive stanzas can be added.

[louellacentina]

This is the most beautiful sad song I've ever heard.

[tomgrimes]

Extraordinarily well written and narratively organized.

[markyoung]

Just one thing needed in this video. Play the song. It is a beautiful tune. That from a American Evangelical Christian.

[Sojourner_]

Add a second stanza that celebrates the inclusivity of Israel and what they all have achieved together.

[SarahConnor]

If you look far away east... eventually you'll end up in jerusalem. The world is round.

[marcelagm]

Just leave the Hatikva lyrics alone. I'm Colombian, and when I sing Hatikva something feels warm inside me. So, if you don't victimise yourself all the time, you won't have issues singing the anthem