Yuval Ox
Keshet School
6th grade
Israel

Hatikvah is the official national anthem of Israel, which was adopted by the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) in 2004. This anthem is regarded as a symbol of the Jewish national identity, as it speaks to the Jewish people's deep connection to the land of Israel and their hope for a better future. The lyrics of Hatikvah express the Jewish people's yearning for a homeland, their aspiration for a life of freedom, and their desire for a peaceful coexistence in Israel.The adoption of Hatikvah as Israel's national anthem was a significant moment in the country's history, reflecting its strong cultural and historical ties to the Jewish people and the land of Israel. The anthem's lyrics and melody have become an integral part of the Israeli national identity, evoking a deep emotional response among Jews both in Israel and around the world.That is why I chose to incorporate Hatikvah in my poster." The centrality of Israel in the Jewish world is multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of cultural, spiritual, and historical dimensions. As the sole Jewish-majority state, it serves as a spiritual and cultural homeland, and is also a hub for education and preservation. Additionally, Israel is a symbol of Jewish resilience and determination, and plays an important role in contemporary Jewish politics and global affairs. Its historical and religious significance is widely acknowledged, with many Jews around the world considering it a site of pilgrimage. Furthermore, Israel is a refuge for Jews who are experiencing persecution or discrimination elsewhere. All of these factors combine to make Israel a pivotal and influential force in the Jewish world. "The poster aims to convey a message that urges youths in particular to learn more about the Israeli Memorial Day in order to gain a deeper understanding of Israel's history and culture. By doing so, they can approach Israel's Independence Day with a greater sense of context and appreciation. The poster emphasizes that people, especially the younger generation, can gain insight into Israel's past and values through the national anthem, Hatikvah, and encourages them to engage with its stirring lyrics. Ultimately, the message is one of reverence, reflection, and a call to action for people to engage with and learn from Israel's complex and meaningful past, so that they can more fully appreciate the enduring importance of its values and ideals.Moreover, I believe that before celebrating our beautiful country’s 75th Independence day, we should learn the importance of reflecting upon the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives in defense of Israel. We should learn to look up and take inspiration from the hero’s who could not make it to todays celebration.The same hero’s who without them we would not have a country." "The primary source from the National Library of Israel that inspired my creation is a collection of historical photographs that showcase various aspects of Israel's rich and complex past. These photographs depict important events, places, and figures in Israel's history, and serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that have contributed to the country's present-day prosperity and success.By incorporating these images into my creation, I was able to create a visual representation of the message I aimed to convey - that Israel's beauty and culture are inextricably linked to its history, and that it is important to remember and honor that history before celebrating its Independence Day. The photographs served as a powerful tool to engage and educate young people, who may be more likely to respond to visual stimuli than to traditional text-based educational materials.Overall, the photographs from the National Library of Israel helped to contextualize my message, providing a tangible reminder of the importance of acknowledging and respecting Israel's past in order to fully appreciate its present and future.