Israel's Flag; History of Design: The flag of The State of Israel includes two blue stripes on white background with a Shield (Star) of David (in Hebrew: Magen David) in the center. This design was first displayed in Rishon-LeZion in 1885 and was also used at the First Zionist Congress in 1897 (Encyclopaedia Judaica, 1971). It was inspired by the tallit (the prayer shawl with blue stripes worn by Jews during prayer) as a symbol. The Star of David is a common symbol of the People of Israel from Biblical times. The flag was adopted officially on October 28, 1948 (25 Tishre, 5709) by the Speaker of the Provisional Council of State.

Specifications for the standard flag: Dimensions: 220 cm X 160 cm with white background. Two 25 cm wide horizontal blue stripes are placed 15 cm from the edges. The Shield of David, composed of two intersecting equilateral triangles, is located in the center of the flag. It measures 69 cm from top to bottom, with each side being 60 cm in length. The color of the stripes and the star may range from blue to Yale-blue.

The Menorah; History: The national emblem of the State of Israel includes a seven branched-candelabrum, called Menorah, flanked by two olive branches. The stylized image of the Menorah that appears above was adopted as the emblem of Israel by the decision of The Provisional Council of State on 11 Shevat 5709 (10 February 1949). The Bible (Exodus) includes specifications for the design of the Menorah to be placed in the Temple. Menorah has been used as one of the oldest Jewish symbols that appeared on coins, and on the walls and floors of synagogues. After the destruction of the Temple by the Romans, the Menorah was transported to Rome. A stone relief in the Triumphal Arch of Titus in Rome depicts the parade that carried the Menorah in the streets of Rome.

History of Israel's National Anthem
The title of the national anthem, HATIKVA, means "The Hope." It was written by Naftali Herz Imber (1856-1909), who moved to Palestine in 1882 from Galicia. The melody was arranged by Samuel Cohen, an immigrant from Moldavia, from a musical theme in Smetana's "Moldau" that is partly based on a Scandinavian folk song.

Hatikva expresses the hope of the Jewish people, that they would someday return to the land of their forefathers as prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. The Jewish people were exiled from Israel in 70 C.E. by the Roman army led by Titus who destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. During the two thousand years of exile, the Jewish people said special daily prayers for return to Israel while facing the East in the direction of Jerusalem. They celebrated the holidays according to Hebrew seasons and calendar. Zion is synonymous with Israel and Jerusalem.