Coat of arms of Israel
Encyclopedia
The Emblem of the State of Israel
(Hebrew: סמל מדינת ישראל) shows a menorah surrounded by an olive
branch on each side, and the writing "ישראל" (Hebrew
for Israel) below it. Most commonly light blue and white, the coat of arms does appear in different colour combinations depending on the use (see below).
The State of Israel adopted the symbol after a design competition held in 1948. The design is based on the winning entry submitted by Gabriel and Maxim Shamir
's proposal, with elements taken from other submissions, such as Oteh Walisch and W. Struski's and Itamar David and Yerachmiel Schechter's entries.
. The menorah was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem
and has been a symbol of Judaism
since ancient times. It symbolizes universal enlightenment.
The olive branch
es symbolize peace
.
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
(Hebrew: סמל מדינת ישראל) shows a menorah surrounded by an olive
Olive
The olive , Olea europaea), is a species of a small tree in the family Oleaceae, native to the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean Basin as well as northern Iran at the south end of the Caspian Sea.Its fruit, also called the olive, is of major agricultural importance in the...
branch on each side, and the writing "ישראל" (Hebrew
Hebrew language
Hebrew is a Semitic language of the Afroasiatic language family. Culturally, is it considered by Jews and other religious groups as the language of the Jewish people, though other Jewish languages had originated among diaspora Jews, and the Hebrew language is also used by non-Jewish groups, such...
for Israel) below it. Most commonly light blue and white, the coat of arms does appear in different colour combinations depending on the use (see below).
History
Gabriel and Maxim Shamir
Gabriel Shamir and Maxim Shamir , were Israeli graphic designers....
's proposal, with elements taken from other submissions, such as Oteh Walisch and W. Struski's and Itamar David and Yerachmiel Schechter's entries.
Symbolism
The image used on the emblem is based on a depiction of the menorah on the Arch of TitusArch of Titus
The Arch of Titus is a 1st-century honorific arch located on the Via Sacra, Rome, just to the south-east of the Roman Forum. It was constructed in c.82 AD by the Roman Emperor Domitian shortly after the death of his older brother Titus to commemorate Titus' victories, including the Siege of...
. The menorah was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem
Temple in Jerusalem
The Temple in Jerusalem or Holy Temple , refers to one of a series of structures which were historically located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, the current site of the Dome of the Rock. Historically, these successive temples stood at this location and functioned as the centre of...
and has been a symbol of Judaism
Judaism
Judaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people...
since ancient times. It symbolizes universal enlightenment.
The olive branch
Olive branch
The olive branch in Western culture, derived from the customs of Ancient Greece, symbolizes peace or victory and was worn by brides.-Ancient Greece and Rome:...
es symbolize peace
Peace
Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the...
.