Hatikvah more than an Israeli anthem

Anthony Pamm, Cape Town

It dates from 1878, and thus precedes/antedates its later adoption as an anthem by the Zionist movement (from 1897 onwards ) and the state of Israel (1948 onwards). It is not particular or restricted to these entities .

It is not appropriate to disrespect this song publicly in a Jewish diaspora environment on the basis of disagreement with current Israeli government policies as the song is much more, and has a far wider context and history than just being the anthem of the state of Israel.

Hence, disrespecting Hatikvah means disrespecting the feelings and aspirations of the majority of the Jewish people