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State of Israel Emblem

The emblem of the State of Israel is a herald with a seven-branched candelabrum (menorah) in its centre which is flanked by olive branches and at the bottom the word "Israel". There are two main versions of the symbol: One includes the menorah, olive branches and the word "Israel" in gold on a deep blue background. In the other they appear white or silver/grey on a blue background. The first version is mainly used when the state symbol is displayed by itself. The second version is used on the President’s banner or when the symbol appears on small flags and buntings. On documents the symbol is often displayed in black and white (the menorah and other elements in white on black background). Various institutions display it as a 3D relief with no significant difference between the colours of the elements and the background.
The State Emblem was designed by the brothers Gabriel and Maxim Shamir. It was chosen from numerous proposals submitted to the Flag and Emblem Committee established by the Provisional State Council. The committee issued a tender calling on residents of the state to submit designs for a State Emblem. The tender detailed recommendations for elements to be included in the emblem. The committee reserved the right to discuss and review any proposal submitted.
The Committee received 450 proposals from 164 people. Three proposals were selected for further consideration: by Wallish and Strotski, by David and Schechter, and by the Shamir Brothers. The Wallish and Strotski proposal included a shield divided into two parts – in the largest lower part a seven-branched menorah design appeared in relief similar to the one on the Arch of Titus in Rome and at the top were the seven stars of Herzl. The Proposal by David and Schechter was based on a mosaic from the ancient synagogue in Jericho. The seven-branched menorah depicted in the mosaic stands on three legs (and not on a wide base as the one in the Arch of Titus, see below) on either side were a shofar and a lulav and below the inscription "Peace upon Israel" (from Psalm 125). In David and Schechter’s proposal the menorah appears in a design similar to that in the Jericho synagogue mosaic with Herzl's seven stars surrounding it on three sides. Underneath were an olive branch, an etrog, a lulav and a shofar and the motto: "Peace on Israel".
The original proposal by the Shamir Brothers had a shield with a modern schematic design of a seven-branched menorah in its centre. In their proposal Herzl's seven stars were arranged above the menorah in a line with the olive branches on either side. It is possible that the Shamir Brothers were influenced by a quote from the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah, Chapter IV) in which the angel shows the prophet " . . . and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof”. Shamir Brothers themselves did not mention in their proposal that the passage of Zechariah inspired their design. However, they did so in an interview given to the newspaper Ma'ariv on 16 February 1949 explaining their work in detail. Consequently, we do not know if it was a coincidence or a deliberate imaginary link.
The Committee decided that the Shamir Brothers proposal will form the basis for the state emblem but required some changes to their design. The modern design of the menorah did not seem appropriate to the members of the committee and they preferred the design that appears in the relief on the Arch of Titus. The relief depicts a procession of slaves and soldiers returning to Rome after the Roman victory over Judea and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. The use of the Roman relief was to mark the return of the Menorah to its original home. The use of olive branches was liked by Committee members and was preferred to the use of symbols such as a palm branch, a citron or a ram's horn as they sought to avoid the use of symbols of a religious nature. The inclusion of the olive branch as a symbol of peace seemed preferable to the use of the motto "Peace on Israel” but the committee requested to add the name "Israel" in Hebrew beneath the Menorah. Herzl's seven stars were eventually omitted from the final design.
The legal status of the emblem of the State of Israel under the law was enshrined in the Flag, Emblem and Anthem of the State Law, 1949 that was enacted on May 24, 1949 
  1. An amusing and critical article (in Hebrew) by Azriel Carlebach, editor of Ma'ariv, dated October 24, 1948, which refers to the early stage in the process of choosing the State emblem

  2. The Menorah the first Jewish symbol” Assaf Feller

  3. Oil lamp and olive branches” Daniela Santo-Gardos, Yoram E. Shamir, Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics.

  4. Emblem icon and semantics”, Galit Gaon, Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics

  5. Selecting a state emblem and flag - is not done every day”, Daniela Santo-Gardos, Yoram E. Shamir, Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics

  6. State Emblem after 62 years of statehood”, Aviv Moses, Elul - Communication Design

  7. Values of the Emblem in ritual and festival”, Ministry of Education, Youth and Social Administration, 2012 (The program deals with the state emblem, flag and anthem as well as fundamental questions – The role of Emblems and Ceremonies in society.

  8. The day before”, Eitan Haber, Yediot Aharonot, 24 hours, 2/10/2013

  9. A symbolic struggle”, Nir Hasson, Haaretz, 07/05/13

  10. Excerpt from Yossi Rennert's talk on “Flags and Emblems” on Moshe Timor's "Personal Friday" radio program on Kol Israel (Reshet Bet) Saturday 09/26/2015

  11. Eylon Gilad about the designs on the base of the State Emblem. Haaretz, May 2016

  12. A 2 Feb 2017 item by The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation - Kan - "The story of the creation of the State Emblem" - (only partially accurate)

  13. The style is important, the Emblem less so”, Hadas Zohar, Entitled, 09/07/13

"Let us just remain friends", October 2023
No explanation needed, 25 September 2023
​Yossi Lamel, 11.9.23, courtesy of the artist
Doctors strike, July 2023
Uri Fink, Maariv 26.7.23
24.7.23
Shilo 8.2.23
Unknown artist, Maariv (24.3.23)
Moran Sharir, Haaretz 12.3.23
Unknown artist, online, March 2023
At a demonstration in Tel Aviv, March 2023
The state emblem reflecting the political situation, March 2023
Tamar Shakin, the Democracy Theater, 18//2/2023
Arnon Avni 1977
"Government" TV channel 14 NOW. Jan 2023
Calcalist supplement cover, January 12, 2023.
​​An unknown artist, (23.12.2022)
Makor Rishon 16 December 2022
Elhanan Ben-Uri, from the artist's collection
Menorah song by Y.A. Modina, Maariv May 1978
Illustration for the article "Meet the entrepreneurs who step into the shoes of the state"
Detail from "The Next School Year" by Zeev, Haaretz, August 29, 1980
State - Police?
Zeev, Haaretz 5.5.89
Change of presidents, Shay Charke, Makor Rishon 9 July 2021
In the garden of the President's Residence Photo by Ruby Shamir, 18 Jan /2023
The outgoing president Rivlin hands over the Presidential flag to the new president Herzog, July 2021
This was seen near the Rabin memorial corner in the Tel Aviv municipality
Gloria Mundi (the Web) 
Preparing for the opening of the Knesset session, November 2022
Preparing the Knesset for the opening of the new session of the parliament.  6 April 2021
Jonathan Popper, illustration for Amit Kling's article, 'How Israel Became a gaming power for Social Casino ", Calcalist 25.3.21
Symbolic renovation, Yediot Aharonot, 17/12/20
Tzila and Didi Manosi, Yedioth Ahronoth, 1990s
Local authorities elections the key to elections to the Knesset - Shlomo Cohen, 25/10/2018
"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" - What's at the Bottom of the state Emblem
Bibi elections - Shay Charka 
Sharon Gazit, illustration for the article "The Voices of the Cheaters" by Navot Hermon, Para-Dox 16, March 2021
The Chief Rabbinate presents a new and uniform kosher 
Michel Kishka, Bibi and Iran, blog and more, 14.7.2015
The stage used for announcements by the Prime Minister
The Movement for Quality Government
High school diploma - certificate
The emblem was probably prepared for a parade or state ceremony in the early years of 1949-50
1951 Parade
Independence day parade in Jerusalem, 1950.
Cover of a book by Oren Barak (2010) using the picture of the 1950 parade
The 71st Independence Day - the torch lighting ceremony
The 71st Independence Day: medals award ceremony to 120 IDF soldiers.
Silver plated metal case designed by David Heinz Gumbel. A replica of the original case in which the Declaration of Independence is kept
Shlomo Cohen, Facebook, 21.9.2020 "Traffic Light" approach
A cartoon by Michel Kishka relating to the declaration of intent for peace between Israel and the Emirates
An exchange of letters in April 1949 about the creation of displays of the State Emblem
An element from a cartoon by Michel Kishka on the subject of contempt for state symbols
A cartoon by Sharon Gazit about the melting possibility that Ganz will be appointed prime minister
Former President Katsav's appeal was denied. He will go to jail for seven years. Shlomo Cohen, Israel Today, 13.11.2011
Illustration by Zion Goel for an article on the Cannes Film Festival by Jackie Levy, Israel Today, 20/5/2011
A lecture by Yoram Shamir at the Ness Ziona Conference scheduled for September 24, 2020
Preliminary approval for cannabis personal use decriminalisation
The State Emblem
A short video about the national emblem designed by the Shamir brothers
This is how the State emblem was chosen
The original document that raised the need for the State emblem was discovered by Dr. Moshe Fuchs and Dr. Assaf Tarkatinsky in the State Archives
Tzachi Cohen, Calcalist, 26/05/2020
A video article in the Kan TV station from 2017 (in Hebrew). 
Article
A sketch of the final version of the 1949 State Emblem
The sketch of the State Emblem signed by David Ben Gurion displayed at the La Menorah exhibition in the Vatican.
This is how the State Emblem and the Post Office came about - article by Herzl Hakak
A new community promotion Ministry was established, headed by Orly Levy-Abekasis,  14/5/2020 
Invitation for design of Emblem and Flag
Draft design for State Emblem
Invitation for submissions
Notice to use the Titus Menorah on the Emblem
Ideas for State Emblem
Letter re: Shamir Proposals
Letter confirming choice of design for State Emblem
The "Fathers" of the new Israel State Emblem
40th meeting of The Provisional State Council
Official notice of the new State Emblem
The Yellow Stain - November 7, 2007 Israel Today
The state emblem carved of wood was found in the factory of Kibbutz Lavi who specializes in furniture for synagogues
A large metal emblem of the State of Israel
The State Emblem in gold
The thorn branches - September 11, 2007 Israel Today
An illustration by Arnon Avni for "Tamrurim".  Al Hamishmar 22.4.1977.
Illustration by Itamar Daube for "Third Following One" by Sima Kadmon, Yedioth Ahronoth 13.12.19
Eran Volkowski's illustration
Legal Government, Ze'ev - Jacob Farkas, Haaretz, 6 November 1985
Untitled - President Carter and Prime Minister Begin, TIM, Dvar Hashavu'a, February 24, 1978
Porcupine, Ze'ev, Haaretz 5.9.2001
Untitled, Yoni Gerstein, Yated Ne'eman, 17 August 2003
"The New Antisemitism" , Haaretz 5.5.2002
The Menorah, marking the 9th of Av, Shlomo Cohen, "Israel Today" 12.8.2019
The People of Israel Celebrates 19 Years of Independence, Shmulik Katz, Al Hamishmar 14.5.1967
Graffiti, an unknown artist, from "Street Art in Israel", edited by Tali Nir, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, 2011
Zila Menussi cartoon for Uri Avnery's article on the government's decision on settlements, November 1968
Yediot Aharonot by Itamar Daube, 3.3.2019
Without Words, Shmuel Katz, Al Hamishmar, 1967
And we have no permission other than to think of them - the Jews of he Soviet Union
Guy Morag, Yediot Aharonot, 9 October 18
Be'ur Chametz, Shlomo Helmut Sawady, Haboker, 16.4.1965
Memorial Day for Israel's Fallen Soldiers, Shlomo Cohen, Israel Today 17.4.2018
The Marker magazine cover, April 2018. Illustration: Itay Raveh
Untitled, Hadassah Ochanov, 3/2018
The French law? Good luck to all of us, Amit Brin, December 2017
The Second Knesset, a diagram by Adam Shlein, Yedioth Ahronoth 2.8.1951
State of Israel 1983, Zeev-Jacob Farkash, Ha'aretz, 21.7.1983 Courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled, Mike-Meir Ronen, Yedioth Ahronoth, 1960s, Courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled, Mike-Meir Ronen, Yedioth Ahronoth, 1960s, Courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled, Mike-Meir Ronen, Yedioth Ahronoth, 1960s, Courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled. Ze'ev Farkash, Ha'aretz, 2.4.1975
The idea of a banana republic is reflected in these two cartoons.
Independence Day poster 2007, at the artist Yossi Lemmel's own initiative
Untitled, Mike-Meir Ronen, Yedioth Ahronoth, June 17, 1986
Untitled, Mike-Meir Ronen, Yedioth Ahronoth, February 14, 1986
"It Happens" By Shmuel Gavish, 10.9.2017
A wood replica of the Israel State Emblem created at Kibbutz Ayelet Hashahar and placed on the roof of their Dining room each year for the celebration of the Day of Independence.
State Emblem - after nine months of birth
Titus Arch
Scroll of Fire sculptured by the artist Nathan Rapoport 
A palmette Verrier pear tree at the Met Cloisters NY that somewhat resembles the shape of the State emblem.
Model of the Temple, including the menorah from the Arch of Titus
An invitation to opening of the La Menora exhibition at the Vatican Museum and the Jewish Museum in Rome
Who returned the Menorah to its rightful place?
Poster by Nachum Gutman for Keren Hayessod, 1932
An explanation (in Hebrew) from the book "Keren Hayessod is sowing - The Jewish people are reaping", edited by David Tartakover, Keren Hayessod 2010
Articles (in Hebrew) on the connection between the Menorah in Zechariah (Chapter II, 2-3) and the State emblem, January 2017
Standing on the podium
Article by Yael Maali
State Emblem
Artice on the selection of the emblem. Origin ??
Haolam Hazeh 22/4/1993 (Part - 1)
Haolam Hazeh 22/4/1993 (Part - 2)
An exact replica of the temple Menorah, April 2019
Two images from a new audiovisual show "The incarnation of a menorah", 2019
Yoram Shamir's lecture at the third Nes Ziona conference for the flag, symbol and anthem
From the book "Parashat HaShavua" by Fivel Meltzer, chapter "Trumah" Published by - Reshef The Meltzer Family, Second Edition, 2003
Prime Minister Netanyahu - during the war with Hamas, July 2014
Possible candidates of the presidential election - in 2014, Yedioth Aharonoth (Ynet) 09/05/14
Untitled, Mike-Meir Ronen, Yedioth Ahronoth 26.7.1986, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Proclamation on Purim, Zeev - Jacob Farkash, Ha'aretz 16.3.1973, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled, Mike - Meir Ronen, Yedioth Ahronoth, 20.9.1974, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Who is more supreme? Shlomo Cohen, Israel Today 23/02/2017
Change, Arnon Avni, Al Hamishmar 20.05.1977, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Even a small miracle ... Mike - Meir Ronen, Yedioth Ahronoth, 12.2.1966
Illustration by Noa Snir in the article "Operation skirt" by Alon Hadar and Achi Abramov, Yediot Ahronot 30/12/16
Untitled, Guy Morad, Yediot Aharonot 19/12/16
Illustration by Eran Volkovsk, Haaretz 23.9.2016
"Eros" war. Zeev - Jacob Farkash, Haaretz 09.28.1972.
"Everyone is smart, everyone", Zeev - Jacob Farkash, Haaretz 02.23.1976"
Untitled, Zeev - Jacob Farkash, Haaretz 28.01.1976
Untitled, Zeev - Jacob Farkash, Haaretz 23.01.1976
Untitled Mike - Meir Ronnen, Yedioth Ahronoth, 20.9.1974, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled Mike - Meir Ronnen, Yedioth Ahronoth, 18.5.1972, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Protest poster by Sany Arazi 2013. Relates to the Israeli Palestinian peace negotiations. Indicates f...... disregard to the peace in spite of the olive branches of its state emblem.
An illustration by Meir Ronnen for the article "Porky preoccupation" by Evelyn Abel, The Jerusalem Post, 3.8.1990
Birthday by Zeev - Jacob Farkash, Haaretz 23/4/1996, The 48th Independence Day the IDF fought like in 1948 - Operation "Grapes of Wrath" against Hezbollah's Katyusha rockets. Courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled, Mike Meir Ronen, Yediot Ahronot, Date unknown, courtesy of the The Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled, Ze'ev Jacob Farkash Haaretz 06/10/1987 MK Rabbi Meir Kahane, who swore allegiance to the State of Israel, is an American citizen who must also maintain allegiance to the US Courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics.
The National Cup 1983 / Ze'ev Jacob Farkash, Haaretz 06/05/1983, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Untitled Ze'ev - Farkash, 29.08.79 Ha'aretz, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Sara Netanyahu in the interrogation room - Drawing by Amos Biderman for the article article "Sara lo shara (Sara does not sing)" By Yossi Verter, Haaretz 01/01/16
Untitled, Mike-Mayer Ronen Yediot Ahronot 26.07.1986, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Cartoons and comics. The "Bus 300" affair - President Chaim Herzog provides amnesty to security service personnel who killed captured terrorists
On the 10th Independence Day / Jehoshua Adari 23/04/1958
Who is a Jew / Mike-Meir Ronnen, Yediot Ahronot, unknown date, courtesy of The Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics. Image of Dr. Yosef Burg, leader of the National Religious Party (NRP)
Untitled, Shlomo Cohen, Israel Today 05/11/15
Untitled Ze'ev - Jacob Farkas, Haaretz 01.04.1978, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
New president, shlomo cohen 2015
Shlomo Cohen, Israel Today
"Controlling Family" - a comedy on YES children's channel by Robbie Doanias. Photo: Ilanit Doanias, Haaretz / Gallery 11/24/14
"First our house" - reminiscent of the Israel Beitenu party.
Democracy, Shlomo Cohen, Israel Today 2015
Untitled, Ze'ev Farkash, Haaretz 04/03/1970
Independence Day, Ze'ev - Jacob Farkas, Haaretz 11/05/1970 courtesy of Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics, Holon
Joseph Ross 1949
The Law, Mike (Meir Ronnen), Yedioth Ahronoth 14/02/86. Courtesy of Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics, Holon
Untitled, Mike (Meir Ronnen), Yediot Aharonot 19/06/1986. Courtesy of Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics, Holon
Cartoon The Biometric Database
Untitled, Mike (Meir Ronnen), Yediot Aharonot 27/7/1983, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics, Holon
Ezer Weizman, President / Shlomo Cohen, Ha'olam Haze 17.03.1993
Untitled, Mike - Meir Ronen, Yediot Ahronot 06/01/1992, courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Without words, Mike - Meir Ronen, Yediot Ahronot 04/09/1987, Courtesy of the Israeli Museum of Caricature and Comics
Shalom Haver, Shlomo Cohen, Yediot Ahronot, 2013, courtesy of Shankar Institute for Research and Documentation of graphics in Israel
Don Zelicha by Shlomo Cohen, Israel Today 22/08/2007
Yitzhak Rabin nominated as prime minister, Ze'ev (Jacob Farkas) 1974, courtesy of the Israel Cartoon Museum, Holon
Yitzhak Rabin, the defense minister, faced with budget cuts to his ministry, Ze'ev (Jacob Farkas) 1984, courtesy of the Israel Cartoon Museum, Holon
Yitzhak Rabin, the Prime Minister, faced on the one hand in front of US President Gerald Ford and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and on the other hand by Arab leaders, Ze'ev (Jacob Farkas) 1974, courtesy of the Israel Cartoon Museum, Holon
Benjamin Netanyahu: I'm a plumber, is there something to fix? Ze'ev (Jacob Farkas) 2000, courtesy of the Israel Cartoon Museum, Holon
"The Menorah of Israel in Jerusalem" - a caricature by Joseph Ross, December 1949, courtesy of Gideon Ross
Noa Osterreicher 2014
The new President, Reuven (Ruby) Rivlin. Cartoonist Shay Charka. Exhibition "crossed the Rubicon", Tel Aviv Animix Festival, 6-9.8.14
In memory of the three boys who were murdered Illustrator: Shlomo Cohen. Appeared in Israel Today, July 2014 Sent by Danielle Gardos-Santo, the daughter of renowned cartoonist Dosh
Free Yigal Shalit - cartoon by Guy Morad was published on 13.5.2011 in Yediot Aharonot
Memorial Day cartoon in the newspaper "Israel Today", Shlomo Cohen, 2014
Foreign Ministry strike - workers closed all Israeli embassies around the world. The cartoon appeared on 26.3.14 in "Israel Today". Artist Shlomo Cohen
Illustration by Liav Zabari, Haaretz 21.02.14
Cartoon by Shay Charke, Maariv 21.2.2014
Local Elections, 2013
Ayatollahs Government / Shmuel Katz 1988
Untitled / Shlomo Cohen 2009
Untitled / Shlomo Cohen 1999
Israel - Light to the Diaspora / Jacob Shiloh 1966
Untitled / Jacob Shiloh 1982
Untitled / Shmuel Katz 1988
Untitled / Jacob Shiloh 1990
Obscene photographs
Mike (Meir Ronen), Yediot 2.5.68
Scientists in Egypt / Dosh
Those days / Joseph Bass
The prisoner
Not prepared to exhibit in museum that is open on Saturdays
Cover of the "View Point 2011" / Yaakov Kirschen
Without words
Without words
Poverty / Guy Morad
Arie Navon, Davar 6.10.1950
A struggle about the meaning of the Emblem
State of Israel Emblem
Competition for design of new Emblem for the Knesset
A struggle about the meaning of the Emblem - Maariv
Competition for design of new Emblem for the Knesset
Galei Zahal Critical report by Nurit Kenati on Knesset Emblem competition
Year: 16.10.2013
Finalists in Knesset emblem competition
Public complaint against new Knesset emblem
Public outcry against changes to Knesset emblem, Page 1, Nostalgia (Hebrew)
Public outcry against changes to Knesset emblem, Page 2, Nostalgia (Hebrew)
Article by Benny Ziffer in Haaretz, attacking the state emblem 14.2.2014
Article by Ester Sandberg in Haaretz, attacking the protest movement 13.2.2014
Leaks / Shmuel Katz 1999
Yakov Shiloh
Troubles came / Dosh
Silver Platter
Department of Internal Medicine
Honourable Knesset
Letter to the editor of the Jerusalem Post 20.2.2014
Despite public outcry - the Knesset elects an emblem for itself
Sarah Meltzer letter and reply
Article iin Haaretz by Yuval Saar - None of the designs chosen for Knesset logo