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Perri Schwartz

When the flag is raised

I have been working on this piece for over a year. What started as a piece about unity during the judicial overhaul protests soon shifted focus into a piece about unity in wartime. Every time I see the Israeli flag, the HaTikvah plays in my head, and my Jewish pride swells within my veins. No amount of hate toward me will take away my love for being Jewish and my respect for you. 

The judicial overhaul protests feel like yesterday but don’t feel that recent. If we turn the clocks back, we realize that life as we once knew it is no longer the same. 

Throughout this year, Israel has witnessed a wave of devastation, heartbreak, unity, and resilience that has swept across the nation, and it has no sign of stopping. These sentiments were a powerful reminder of public sensation and a testament to the enduring significance of the Jewish people.

Before October 7, Israel was embroiled in mass protests regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan. Israel, a nation often at the epicenter of political and social turmoil, has always embraced a deep sense of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The Israeli flag, a simple yet striking design featuring a blue Star of David encircled by a white field, flanked by horizontal stripes of blue above and below, has come to embody the unwavering spirit of its people.

A complex web of issues, including economic disparities, political disillusionment, and societal inequality sparked the 2023 protests in Israel. However, what truly stood out was the unifying force of the Israeli flag that unites the Jewish people.

Throughout its turbulent history, the Jewish people have faced countless challenges and persecutions. The Israeli flag, with its Star of David at the forefront, has become a symbol of Jewish resilience and resistance. It represents a defiant response to adversity, echoing the age-old motto, “Never Again.”

The flag of Israel was originally designed for the Zionist movement in 1891 by Jacob Askowith and his son Charles. It was first displayed at the dedication of the Zion Hall of the B’nai Zion Educational Society in Boston, Massachusetts. When new designs for an official Israeli flag were being contested, none stood out, and so the Zionist movement flag became the Israeli flag. The flag was officially adopted on October 28, 1948, five months after the establishment of the State of Israel. 

The flag’s symbolism includes: 

  • White background: Represents honesty, innocence, and peace 
  • Blue stripes: Symbolize Jewish independence in the Land of Israel 
  • Star of David: Symbolizes rebirth and new life for the Jewish people

Throughout this year, the Israeli flag has not just been a piece of fabric; it serves as a powerful emblem of Jewish identity and determination, plus a reminder of the struggles faced by the Jewish people throughout history and their enduring quest for a homeland where they can live in peace and security.

The Israeli flag has always symbolized the dream of a free and sovereign state for the Jewish people. In 1948, when David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel, he did so beneath the fluttering blue and white flag. Since then, the flag has represented the realization of that dream and the commitment to safeguarding Israel’s independence. 

Throughout 2023 and 2024, protesters and activists have waved the Israeli flag with pride and determination as they have taken to the streets. It serves as a declaration that the dream of a free state, where justice and equality prevail, remains alive and well. The flag serves as a rallying point for those who believe in a better future for Israel, a future built on democratic values and the principles of justice.

One of the remarkable aspects was the diverse coalition of voices that joined in solidarity. People from various backgrounds, religious affiliations, and political ideologies stood side by side, united under the Israeli flag. This diversity only reinforced the flag’s role as a symbol of inclusivity and shared purpose.

This past year brought into sharp focus the enduring significance of the Israeli flag as a symbol of Jewish resistance and the pursuit of a free state. It was a reminder that, in times of uncertainty and strife, the flag serves as a unifying force, bringing together a nation and its people. As Israel continues to navigate its complex path forward, the flag will remain a powerful emblem of hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.

About the Author
Perri Schwartz is an activist, writer, and digital Hasbara content creator based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Her focus is on the Jewish world and Israel, along with accessibility. She is a 2021-2022 alumnus of the Young Judaea Year Course gap year. She interned with the Israel Daily News Podcast while on Year Course. She is also on the autism spectrum and is super passionate about making the world a better place. You can follow her on Instagram, @perri_schwartz and you can support her and her work here: buymeacoffee.com/@pschwartz077.
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