Along with the Star of David

Give me a break!! We will add another symbol to our flag when we see a functioning democracy in any of the Arab countries; when we see a Jew in their parliament; when we see freedom of speech, of the press, of anything. Until then, let's get serious.

In response to Khalid's talkback, I would only observe that he, like his fellow compatriots is simply blaming his own prejudices on Israeli society - after all, how many churches/synagogues/temples does he count in Saudi Arabia? How many Jews are there now in Libya/Iraq/Syria, where there were thriving Jewish communities before their expulsion after 1948. In no Arab state (with the possible exception of Jordan)do I see any democracy,morality and justice. Still less do I see any evidence of this in the activities of Hamas, the late unlamented Arafat, or the palestinian National Covenant.

To say that I was shocked by Danny Rabinowitz's article would be an understatement. The Arab "catastrophy" of 1948/49 was self inflicted by their steadfast determination not to tolerate a Jewish state in any shape or form. This meant that many, if not most of the Arab population of Eretz Yisroel took up arms against the Jewish population whilst the armies of the surrounding Arab nations invaded the small territory allocated to the fledgling Jewish state by the UN resolution of 29th. November 1947. By the atrocities perpetrated by the Arabs at Tel Chai in 1920, Hevron in 1929, Mount Scopus in 1948 and all others in between and since they have repudiated any semblance of a civilised people! And you want them to have their own public holiday and polute our flag with their bloodthirsty symbols? What sort of madman are you?

Rabinowitz obviously struck a nerve judging by the outrage. While changing the Israeli flag or counting Land Day as a national Israeli holiday is ridiculous, he may be offering a more serious message for Israelis and Jews around the world. Is there some way for Jewish Israelis to show respect for Arabs in Israel? Is it Jewish to dehumanize the Other? In many ways and for a long time, Israeli Jews have looked the other way. Sure, there are exceptions like the baker in Jaffa or the soccer star on the National team. And sure, there will never be a real meeting of the minds between Israel's Jewish and Arab citizens on Jerusalem or on the right of return. But there are possibilities in between. First steps are recognition and respect of the Other. Rabinowitz, I trust, is trying to say something like this, but next time he should stay with the possible and not the ridiculous---or otherwise lose his audience.

Marlene, I give it about 5 minutes before the Pro Israeli advocates start lurking towards Saudi Arabia etc and placing blames on them. It's so easy to skip over the Palestinian question and resort to surrounding Arab nations who most of US PALESTINIANS are not fond of anyhow :)

Earl for your information, the Palestinian flag originates as part of Arab nationalism and it's rivalling the OTTOMAN EMPIRE. P.S. there were numerous Palestinian flags in the Arab revolt of 1936 against the British and Zionists that the rebels carried which had a Crescent and a Cross. Have a nice day

I'm a Christian and I love the Israeli flag as it is. It is NOT racist. Dear Jewish brothers and sisters, don't apologise to anyone about your flag. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. It's appropriate, looks real good, easy to recognise and represents the core of being Jewish. The Isreali flag is a proud symbol of a good people. Flutter away!!!

I think Khalid made himself very clear and I happen to agree with him. No doubt Martin Luther King, Jr., would have agreed with him also. Whoever dares to deny that all citizens of a state should be treated as equals is simply a racist. There is no excuse or justification for it, and it should not be tolerated anywhere, especially in a state that is allegedly representing itself as "the only democracy in the Middle East."

and your next wish is that the jewish state be done away with all together? Oh, wait, thats what your referring to already isnt it? The "racist infrastructure of Israel..." by this, I can only guess that you mean refer to Israel's desire to exist, and the actions it has to take in order to do so?

Dear 'Just Visiting', The claim that the two stripes on the Israeli flag represent the Nile and Euphrates is not true. The Israeli flag is based on the 'Tallit', a prayer shawl worn by Jews the world over. There are many designs, but many have the two blue stripes running along the sides. Rest assured, despite the propaganda, most Zionists merely want an Independent and free state for Jewish people. Nothing more, and nothing less.

Almost all Arabs beleive that the two blue lines in the Israel flag represent the Nile and the Euphrates. To us Arabs, this is a sign of the desire of Israel to one day include all the land between these two rivers into their country, and (ofcourse) rule all the people that happen to live between then ( a little over 110 million people) (or do what to them???). Is this true? Is what we have been taught right or wrong? Can some one please give me an answer, and please no need for ridicule or poking fun, this is just a simple question and I want a simple answer.

This is especially directed at pace306: There /are/ other countries with symbols other than its main focus on flags, etc. I don't know of a flag, though I'll bet that there is one, but the Arms of Canada have an intricate design that contains the Union Jack AND the "Royal Banner" of France, among other odds-and-ends. At the time when this thing was created, the symbolism was /way/ ahead of the political reality, is a sure thing. The amusing thing is that the Royal Banner of France is extinct in France, post-revolution, but lives on as one of the flags on the Arms of Canada. It actually appears not once, but twice, on there, both times along with corresponding British symbolism. There are symbols on there said to represent Canadians of other origins, but they're more low-key and not easily identifiable. Basically, what I'm saying is that it would be possible to include some generic non-Jewish symbols, perhaps. Not necessarily symbols representing any particular group, but generic symbols. And that there is precedent for this. Mike

Hey Jews, Be proud!!! This is a beautiful flag. Don't appease the arabs. Churchill: "you were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor and you will have war".

The Union Jack has a cross, even though 2 million muslims live in Britain. There nobody cares about taking out the cross. Muslims are silent and the same goes for liberals. Why always Israel is forced to change its symbols? Nobody care about the cross in Switzerland's or the crescent in the Pakistani flag. But everybody, including leftists in Israel care about the Magen David. Israel. Always Israel has to undergo those changes in its national character. Nobody else.

I am very surprised that Mr Rabinowitz wrote such a half hearted article. Shouldn't the whole constitution also be changed to strip away the homeland for Jews element and right of return and maybe we should hold several holocaust days for all the different genocides of humankind including the Armenians, Tutsi etc. What a stupid man Mr Rabinowitz is! Doesn't he understnd that cultural inwardness is what marks out a strong culture. In the UK multiculturalism is coming under fire because showing all cultures and religions the identical respect is turning the UK into a hotchpotch of different communities with no commonality. Israel has to be fundamentally Jewish and care mostly about Jews!

To be frank, this fixation on symbols is idiotic -- and misunderstands how nation-states are democratizing everywhere in the world. Quebec's flag has its royal French fleurs-de-lys, UK and Norway and Finland and many others their Christian crosses, and so forth. All symbolise the country's historic attachment and ongoing responsibility to a particular people. None endanger the democracy of those countries. A Jewish *and* democratic state, by all means. But those who think that democratic means eradicating any sense of Israel's special link with the Jewish people have been spending too much time with their heads in the United States, and not enough in the "old" countries and nation-states of the world -- such as Europe's.

It is my understganding that there are more than a few countries in the area of Israel where Jews are not permitted to live, be citizens, own land etc. Israel is the ONLY Jewish state in the world and we allow Christians and Muslims to own land, be citizens etc. and NOT serve in the armed forces to protect their state. What more can one ask?

THE ISRAELI FLAG WAS DESIGNED FOR THE FIRST ZIONIST CONGRES IN BASEL BY WOLZOHN AND HE TOOK IT FROM THE TALITH

Israel and Israelis can achieve maturity by acknowledging a balance with respect, security, opportunity etc for all its citizens. Canada is a model, with two main founding groups (French and English); different religions; a history of rivalry, war, and conquering; different versions of the same history in the same place; evolution to partners in democracy, shared goals, and mutual respect. What an opportunity!

If & When Palestine gets its own country, lets see if they would consider Placing a Cross and/or a Star of David on its flag. When you ask them be sure to have your running shoes on.

Consider the American flag. Change and growth are an essential part of of the stars and stripes: With each new state, a star is added. This sends a positive message of hope and inclusion: It says "we welcome you, we welcome the other as our equal." Hawaii and Alaska got stars, and one day, should they decide they wish it, Puerto Rico will be welcome to their star as well. Bienvenidos, mis amigos! What does today's Israeli flag say? It sends a message of narowness, and exclusion. It says, "we are a small and fearful people. We are afraid to grow, and treat 'the other' as an equal partner. Our thinking is stuck in 19th century concepts of nationalism defined along religious and ethnic lines. If you're not like us, go away!" I, for one, look forward to an Israel that is prepared to accept an inclusive symbol of national unity, confidence, and thinking suited to the global world of the 21st century. I look forward to the day when Israel respects the Torah's commandment to respect and honor the other. Perhaps on that day, I shall make Aliyah.

In reading this idiotic article by Mr. Rabinowitz, it is not difficult to understand why our beloved country is facing the problems that we are. Are you kidding with this? Give a national holiday to an "celebrate" that Israel shouldn't have been created in the first place? This is absolutely the most stupid, disgusting and in the very least, ignorant notion I have ever heard. While it is true that many Israeli Arabs may not be able to personalize Hatikva and the Israeli flag, no country with sane leaders would ever commemorate a day that basically calls its own existence a catastrophy. This is an idea that only a traitor of Israel would come up with.

Hi Michael, Although there were isolated periods in which sad things occured, on the long run jews in Turkey were well treated, those who came here 500 years ago settled here and became one of us. I just do not like a foreign country coming and trying to convince my citizens to emigrate on whatever grounds, be it Israel, America or China. I am not saying that Israel has no right to do it, of course it has and I also know that the Turkish jews in Israel love Turkey yet I do not like the whole affair of aliyah. It works against the nice natural variability of people, it is segregationist and purist.

Yes there was a war and for various reasons some arabs left most on the advice of the governments of invading states but nakba day inst the fact that some arabs became refugees for them the nakba is the State of Israel was created. It doesnt matter if there wasnt even 1 refugee created the arabs would still hold nakba day because Israel would be there which is for them a catastrophe. Why should Israel see its creation as a catastrophe? The arabs should remeber before they start talking about catstrophes that before 1948 there was no arab or jewish state but when the UN proposed creating a jewish state they also proposed creating an arab state next door but the arabs rejected that idea and as a result instead of this year celebrating 57 years of indipendence of their state they are having their 57th nakba day a time for them to feel sorry for themselves and complain about what they dont have. The arabs created their own nakba

May it go on sleeping forever.

To No. 76 and William - my writing "style" should be of no importance to anyone, only that what I say is based on fact. There is nothing about my comments that are not echoed throughout the world, even by Israel's own human rights organizations, such as Btselem and ICAHD (Israel Committee Against Home Demolitions). Israel has engaged in massive destruction of land and homes that have left thousands upon thousands of Palestinians devastated, not to mention the massive destruction of villages that were destroyed when the Palestinians were expulsed from their lands. At least Ha'aretz does reflect professional journalism by reporting on it, unlike the western press. The issue of course is not really the Israeli flag, although it is quite offensive to some Jews, but the racism which is embedded in Israel's national consciousness that has become perfectly acceptable. The swatistka is detestible because of what it represents and the crimes commited bearing that symobol. The Star of David has become detestible for the very same reasons.

After 2000 years of yearning to return to the Land of Israel, to a re-born Jewish state, throughout the suffering of the exile, is an assimilated ventually disappearing Jewish state the dream our anscestors all prayed and hoped for (and died in battle for)?There are over 25 Arab and Moslem lands, and only one tiny Jewish state. Before 1921 Jordan was part of Palestine. Now that 75% is ALL Arab. We must retain this small JEWISH STATE, at least the remaining 25%! And not Apoligetically. (was Rabbi Kahane right regarding the flag and the left?)

In never ceases to amaze me how bent over backwards Rabinoitz is. Either he has a fantastic orthopedic surgeon that can work miracles or he's quadrouple jointed. If anyone knows, please share!

I am all for tolerance and acceptance on an individual level but strongly agree with the vast majority of responses; Add "Catastrophe Day" to our Jewish State?s Calendar? Are you MAD? The first part of this article is too silly for argument. However the author continues: ?One does not need to be a post-Zionist to understand that the uniform normative narrative that Zionism has been telling itself all these years is no longer valid, and maybe never was.? Are you sure Danny? I agree that Labor Zionism is no longer valid. I would admit that the goals of Cultural Zionism have been reached (or are somewhat in reach). But we are certainly continuing to work towards Social Zionism goals. Non-profit organizations continue to work hard towards a society that looks after one another. And Religious Zionism? Is the Torah no longer valid to the Jewish people? Surely as a Jew (or even just as a rational educated thinker) you can concur that No Torah = No Jewish People. And so, Danny, you are wrong. It is only as a post-Zionist that you can tell yourself that Zionism is no longer relevant and only as an uneducated Jew that you can claim it never was.

the Flag of Israel with the Star of David is fine, but to be more biblical, the Jewish symbol should be the Menorah.

Change Israeli anthem to "Jerusalem of Gold" Change American anthem to "America the Beautiful"

Hi Mehmet, I for one don't have any trouble with Turkish Jews being burried with the Turkish Flag. I think most Turkish Jews have no problem with that either. Maybe there was something you saw in the newspaper...I don't know. But I can assure you the great majority have absolutely no problem with that. Regarding Israel wanting Jews to Immigrate to Israel, why should that bother you? Israel encourages immigration for Jews from all over the world. I've met many Turkish Jews here in Israel and while they live here, they still love Turkey. I hope to see Turkey one day myself. Hopefully, I'll have the chance soon. Regards, Michael S.

if Israel needs to change it's flag from being of Jewish symbols. Then the following Flags from other countries should be changed as well. the Crescent Moon and Star are traditional symbols of Islam. The following Islamic countries have Crescent Moon and Star on their flags -------------- Algeria, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Saudi Arabia - no Crescent Moon and Star BUT in Arabic script (translated as "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a white horizontal saber Flags with Crosses on Them -------------- Australia & New Zealand - british crosses Denmark white cross on red background Finland Blue cross on White background Greece White cross on Blue background + stripes Iceland White & red crosses on blue background Norway Blue & White crosses on Red background Sweden yellow cross on Blue background Switzerland White cross on Red background United Kingdom Red, White, Red crosses on Blue background

Danny, What are you stupid? Read Khalid Amayreh's response. It wouldn't matter if you changed the symbol on the flag to a giant cross with a crescent moon and completely took off the Magen David...it still wouldn't be enough. The Arabs won't be satisfied until you agree to give them the country, 100% under their control, and maybe if we're nice, they will let a few of us live here. Even this they won't do because those of us with any shred of intelligence knows what the Arabs would do to us if the situation were reversed. Many of you guys with these very leftist ideas have big hearts but you are mostly all very clueless....even when someone like Khalid Amayreh is spelling it out for you, right in front of your face, in black and white. Somehow, you still can't manage to see the truth. If the Arabs tell you it's not enough, why can't you believe them? You know what...I respect Khalid much more than you because at least he spells it out very clearly what he wants, albeit with a lot of bullshit, but what you write is pure bullshit. Regards, Michael S.

I don't have a problem with the flag, though I wish Israel had a different national anthem. "Hatikvah" sounds too soft. It does not convey Israel's strength. It is also somewhat offensive towards non-European Jews because of the verse "we look east to Zion". This verse was written in the context of the Ashkenazi-led Zionist movement, which overwhelmingly excluded Jews from many other parts of the world, such as North Africa and the Middle East. For Jews from places like Iran, Iraq, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Georgia (former USSR), where part of my family is from, the verse "we look east to Zion" is not relevent and excludes us. It is even less relevent for the majority of Israeli Jews who were born in Israel, and who have never had to look in any direction to find it. Israel may have to change its national anthem just to accomodate a large portion of the Jewish population, rather than worrying about how the Arabs feel about it.

Hello, As a Muslim with "Israeli" citzenship, I promise you that maybe not today or even in 3 years from now or 50 years, but Islam will be the only law here. Cheers, Abu Qatada al-Falestini http://www.angelfire.com/ak5/salafi/

maybe you should all be aware that we have a European flag and we, and especially the younger generation is feeling generally more and more European. If you are denying the Nakba, saying it is mere propoganda of the Palestinians, I deny the Holocaust(although my mother was a little child then, but anyway). Even an orthodox etremist didn`t deny the Nakba, maybe you should check Jewish websites for peace from time to time. By the way what are you doing with the Jewish converts to Islam? www.eccmei.net/j/ Stop the denial, stop massacring-go for peace www.seruv.org/60min/60min.wmv

with all due respect this a jewish democracy. Something the world is finding hard to define. however we are jewish state and i hope we will remain this way and not forget our past. Jewish State= Jewish Symbols, in the same way in the UK the flag of England represents the crusade and the Church of England and does not offend me in any way being a British Jew. !!!

Normally I can't be bothered replying to articles on ha'aretz. However, this article is so anathema to common sense and justice that I had to make a response. If Zionism is about jettisoning the re-awakening of our national home to avoid hurting the sensitivities of disloyal minority then I revoke my belief system. You, sir, are an appeaser and it is quite disgraceful that such an article has appeared on this site...

Sick, leftist, pathological drivvel!!

If Rabinowitz was English and lived 200 years ago he would have been tried for treason and thrown into the Tower of London and "off with his head". NO NO NO NO NO CHANGE .......The Star of David is the ONLY symbol that should ever be on the flag of the State of Israel. There are 22 Arab countries in the Middle East. There is only 1 Jewish country in the world. Why is it that people begrudge us our tiny little country? Not once has anyone mentioned the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Surely Jordan should be giving up some land in order to make a Palestinian state.

Why an arab will sing a song in another language? Nakba Day and modifications in the flag now.

good khalid VERY GOOD ,but palestine are no state ,there is for now authonomy

Jhon iam not sure israel is a jewish state,iam sure is state with mayority jewish,iam live in chile in my country the mayority is catholic but chile is no a catholic state,iam jewish,the jewish state is very diferent off actual israel

israel is jewish land only. there is plenty of land where arabs can live together with an arabic majority, with arabic rulers and arabic symbols. if they dont want to live in jewish land under jewish symbols, they will have to move away.

There are no people on the whole earth who have been continously mistreated as the sons of Israel. Elohim gave to them to show to the Nations the way to him and salvation thru the Torah and his son yeshua but all they receive is more hate from the world comunity. all seem to forget the horrors of wwII. Yes, I think the two tablets of the law should be on the flag with the star of David comemarating the goodness of ELOHIMS law to the world, and what is right to do.

Asalaam, you must remember that DAVID the son of Jessie, was crowned King in Hebron, before he was proclaimed and crowned King of Israel, in Jerusalem. Then, several nations stole Hebron from the Jews, the last of which are now claiming Hebron as theirs.

Hey mate when can we expect the crescent on the NZ Flag not just a cross. By your logic it follows New Zealanders are racists. Meanwhile enjoy your new NZ. residents Sadaams' cronies

Khalid, If you realized how Moslems are treated in the US, even the naturalized citizens and their native born American children, or . . . Moslems in some countries of the EU, you wouldn't bash Israel as badly as you do. For some reason, good or bad, Arabs and Moslems are getting a bum rap by many officials. It could be a globalization of the 9/11 thing where the authorities equate terrorist with the above. For the time being the mass media is pulling the good guys-bad guys shtick. Please God we learn to unlearn it. Zev

Saudi Arabia have no non-Muslim citizens as far as I know, but nearly one fourth of Israeli citizens are non-Jews. Saudi Arabia is not a Tribal dynastic despotism, while Israel mendaciously claims to be the only democracy in the Middle East. True democracies don't discriminate against a segment of their citizens because of their religion and race. Israel does. Hence,Israel is a psudo-democracy. Right Deobrah? Khalid

Why wouldn't Zionists do that? Zionism is essentially secular and atheistic movement. In the 1940s, Zionist leadership preferred that Jewish kids be incinerated rather than moved to Canada an South America.. In Iraq, Zionist agents (See the latest book on that by the Iraqi Jewish expatriate Naim!" burned down Jewish businesses, distributed anti-Jewish literature, fostered an atmospher in terror to get the Jews leaving. In Egypt, the did the same thing.., and then was the Lavon affair. In France, today Jews were Zionists have been arrestd by the French police, and they confessed to have set the Jewish community center on Fire...in order to get French Jews to leave for Israel; and, yes, the woman, who lied about that concocted incident while aboard the commuter train..also confessed to have fabricated the story...There are many stories of Zionist agents concocting stories ..they want anti-Semitism to remain alive and active...because this is the lifeline of Zionism. Without anti-Semitism, Zionism will die...my friend..So, it is you who is either ignorant or lying, not me. Have a good day.

"inventing storeis about being kidnapped and beaten and raped by "North-Africanlooking..Arabs.!!!" Can you explain ?

Rabinowitz has givin new meaning to liberal self hating Jew. oh Khalid where is Palestine? You mean Jorden? Racist state of Israel? with 1.5 million Arabs, arab members of the kennest and on the suprem court!You show me one arab nation where arabs have as many rights as in Israel. Why don't we just throw away all nation flags and have one flag for the good people of earth and sit in circles and sing kumbia. Am yisrael chai!(the now and forever Jewish State of Israel)

For me, a goy from the Philippines, want the Israeli Flag as it is. A beautiful blue and white flag, a symbol of Jewish Identity (secular, orthodox and all in between), the STAR OF DAVID.

The Star of David does not need anything along with it because it contains everything in it. It is not a matter of equality or racism or injustice. The Star Of King David will remain for ever on the Flag and the hearts of all israellies and all who love God of Israel. Who ever wants to make changes to the Star of King David , He or she is a traitor and an enemy for the state of Israel and should be treated as such. Thank you.

while were at it why dont we just declare israel to be a muslim state? why are we giving the palestinians a state if at the same time people are trying to make israel into another palestinian state?

"The only symbols the Israel flag should bear are a tank and a bulldozer..." How absurd. Ps Your writing style gives you away every time, M.P. Claire.

An American wrote:'How about adding a symbol on the Israeli flag for atheists like me who have visited and support Israel? Seriously, the Star of David is nothing to be ashamed of. The author really needs to take a look in the mirror. What a bizzare article' How about thinking of your own 'Gods Country' and adding In Skepticism We Trust to your Dollar Bill

The State of Israel was created as the reincarnation of Jewish sovereignty over its historical homeland. We have yet to re[establish Jewish sovereignty over all the land, and seem to be quite willing to continually cede portions of it to our enemies. we have already allowed several partitions of our homeland, in 1922, 1947, and now, again. Enough is enough! If the Magen David flag is objectionable to the non Jewish population, let them leave!

I think Israel should only consider changing its flag after France adds Jewish Star and the Muslim Crescent to theirs.

This is a non-question. There is no debate on this issue. Israel has, as does any other soverign nation,the right to fly the symbol of it's heritage on the national flag.

I regret having wasted the last five minutes of my life reading this nonsense. Instead of thinking of comical ways in which we can further negate the Jewishness of Israel, we should be considering how Israel can return its to roots as the homeland of the Jewish people. By publishing this article, Haaretz is lending credence to such an absurd and detrimnetal idea. For this I am disapointed!

racial harmony - YES RESPECT to all citizens - YES but this flag thing must be a joke, or perhaps a way of getting us to write in. Although it made me think. Symbols, maybe we put too much importance on these things when we should be trying to create a true harmony with each other. Anyway, as a previous post mentioned , the star of david is not exclusive to us Jews, neither is it original. It's a Hindu symbol (along with that other famous Hindu one the Swastika). The star is the symbol of ultimate union between Shiva and Parvati. Male and Female. This stuff about the Union Jack is just a red herring and a joke, surely? Lets focus on the good points made in the artical, respect of all peoples, out dated Zionest ideals, we should never give up the struggle to be respectable people ( mench) and 'do unto our neighbour as we would have done unto us'... lets create new dreams of a tolirent/loving Israel with a multi cultral poulation, living in harmony (even in the face of hostile neighbours, that sooner or later will come round. IT'S ALL BASED ON FEAR AND PARANIOA. Lets try and make it al about -RESPECT LOVE & PEACE We could take a lot more from Indian culture than a symbol, Read Gahndi and try and stop lying to ourselves. our past is a rich one and many times we have faced injustice. Now we must strive to write the wrongs of the past 38 years, even if the Palstinians are also cheats and also paraniod, WE should know better.

Fair Dinkum mate!! and just what rights are not respected by Australia and Israel for their minorities.Would you care to name them for the record? Why are you mentioning Australia?Why not Russia and its record in Chechnya?Or Turkey and its crimes in Cyprus?

Ooops.. This should have been TO chanah not FROM Chanah "We might as well pack up and leave...." If you`d rather leave Israel than give your fellow but lesser (non-Jewish) Israelies equal rights, please don`t move into my neighborhood. We already have our full quotient of racists.

If thats so, why can i, a jew, not even set foot into the 80% of Hebron that you call your home without probably being shot beaten and mutilated by a bloodthirsry mob???" Shimon, the Palestinians in Hebron would welcome you. They tried to welcome a few dozen of your fellow Jews from Israel this past weekend. As you suggest, they were attacked, but not by Palestinians. They were attacked and arrested by your soldiers. Just for trying to share a glass of tea with friends.

jack if you reckon an olive tree then fine by me.....NOT!!! Of course you wouldn't like the olive tree Warren. It's too close to the symbol of peace. Not something you are interested in promoting. Actually glad this topic was raised. I always knew Israel was a racist state, but I hadn't realized even its flag confirms it.

We might as well pack up and leave.... If you'd rather leave Israel than give your fellow but lesser (non-Jewish) Israelies equal rights, please don't move into my neighborhood. We already have our full quotient of racists.

Israel was created with todays flag and there is no reason for this to change. liat ben ami is totally right in his post; it's not the point. By the way, take a look at this link, and see a nice attempt to change a flag.. and symbols on the way, it's the Iraqi flag designed by the occupants (what an attempt to destroy other's culture!): http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3660663.stm Doesn't it remind a certain flag, not too far from there..?

dear US citizen, the american flag symbolizes for many many people on earth death and curse.. it's a fact, and this from Japan to Nicaragua, passing by Viet Nam and Irak.. accept it and accept that your flag isn't the freedom flag or whatever nice concept.

"When Justice is done to the Palestinians, the issue of symbols will become irrelevent." Sort of like your comment?

How about adding a symbol on the Israeli flag for atheists like me who have visited and support Israel? Seriously, the Star of David is nothing to be ashamed of. The author really needs to take a look in the mirror. What a bizzare article.

Change the American flag? Are you off your rocker? Leave the American flag alone. If it upsets you....don't look at it. I see pride and respect when I look at the American flag. I see the sacrafices so many have made in guaranteeing our freedom. You see it as some racist symbol and that's pretty sad.

In the end, there will be two states - Israel and Palestine. Israel will certainly be left with a Palestinian minority in its midst, though possibly a much smaller one than it currently hosts. Whether Palestine will have a Jewish minority is a matter for the negotiatiors of the eventual permanent agreement. One of the less-discussed aspects of national security is the individual perception of what national security means, as in "How does this affect me"? Israel is the Jewish state. It cannot be "The Jewish State, but...". The Star of David is the nation's flag. For a personal sense of national security, the Jewishness of the state and its flag must be unequivocal. What will remain of an Palestinian Israeli population after the establishment of the State of Palestine will have to understand that they live in the Jewish State, with all the rights, privileges and obligations of its Jewish citizenry. Likewise, those Jews that may remain in Palestine will have the same demands and privileges of their fellow Palestinian citizens. This notion may be hard to swallow under the present circumstances, but is there really any other way forward? So two flags, yes - an Israeli for Israel and a Palestinian for Palestine. To do otherwise is only to perpetuate the chaos we have all lived with for so long.

I agree nationalism can become a dangerous primtive repugnant anti human excuse to commit collectivised crimes, what is war but a nationalised armed hold up? It can also become a cult of MOLOCH eating its young I agree 100%. But what I find exasperating about you dear yakov is why do you not consider Arab nationalism equally reprehensible and dangerous. Please Yaakov do you deny the nature if it in the 60s with the mobs in Cairo on the eve of 67 war carrying posters with caracters out of Der Strummer? Come on Yaakov NU? I also love the olive tree but the symbol of the Jewish people is the Star of David, the Palestinians will have to live it with as jews of Turkey have to live with the cresent on their flag and the muslims in Britain with cross of st george and of st andrew it is not the end of the world Nu? We have only one Israel Yaakov we have our right to proclaim ourselves Jewish can also be beautiful !

Only a hole-in-the-head living in a fantasy world conjured up by a hundred years of failed Jewish leftist idealism would write such rubbish.

I did not mean to give the impression that all wasperfect in Turkey. However over the long sweep of Jewish history overall turkey has been ahaven for the Jews. They took in the spanish Jews and allowed the Jews to practice their religion and culture without interference. In WW1 those actions against the Yeshuv were involved with the war with Britain the operations of the NILI. The Turks might have overreacted and played rough I am a Zionist so I dont like anyone hurting Jews but Turkish actions were not motivated by anti semetism. In WW2 Turkey did allow rescue operations of eastern Jews to operate from its territory and the Turkish counsul in France spared no efforts to save Turkish Jewish citizens from the Germans including going to the train stations and pulling Turkish Jews off the trains and telling the bloody Germans to go to hell. I think over all on balance you must agree that Turkey has been one of the more safe and secure places for Jews. The jews were never he subject of state sponsored anti semetism or viloent pogorms and expulsions. This is not to belittle the real sufferings of Jews at the hands of the govt.

Stop the foreign aid to Sharon, and then we can talk....

Israel was established as a Jewish state. While there have always existed internal pressures as to what precisely a "Jewish State" entails, the symbol of the nation cannot display a cross or crescent. This is antithetical to the premise of a Jewish state. As the only country in the world to profess a Jewish character, Israel has the right to maintain its identity as a Jewish state the same way Azerbaijan and Maldives display the Muslim insignia. Half of European countries similarly project a cross. There are residents of these nations who do not profess these faiths, yet because the foundation of the nations were built upon religious adherence, their flags do not come into question. Where the demand to remove the Cross of St. George from England's banner?

The Jews wrote the Bible. What do you expect the Bible to say? Egypt owns the land? Gaza and the West Bank is not yours. Period.

Ridiculous, there will never be green on the Israeli flag, and God forbid a crescent! Have you read the Quran lately? In the chapter of "the Cows" anyone non-Muslim is portrayed as inferior, how can Muslim symbols be included in OUR flag???

So Israel has learned well. Your saying just because America use to have this racist, apartide past this is reason Israel can and should have this segregation now. Freedom? Democracy? Not in Israel.

someone asks about a flag and you rant about racism??I've read this site for over a week and never once have you acknowledged the racism of oh say Saudi Arabia or other Muslim countries where the bible and torah are ILLEGAL. GLASS HOUSES KHALID...GLASS HOUSES.

If Israel is ever going to lose its jewish identity it wont be because of Palestian right of retrun or losing a war it will be Israeli jews wanting to make everybody happy. Lets stop worrying about political correctness Israel is officialy a JEWISH STATE and so naturaly its national symbols should be jewish ones only, I dont know of any muslim states which have a jewish minority that makes up their population and they start arguing they should change their flags that represent islam so they can represent their jewish minority as well. The british union jack isnt about representing all its people its because the United Kingdom is made up of England, Northern Irland, Scotland and Wales 4 seperate regions or countries united under a single flag Israels non jews dont make up a region or another country they are individuals living in a freely in a country that just happens to be a jewish one and represented by jewish symbols because of its status as a jewish state just the same as Englands flag is a red cross on a white bacground and the same the flags of Saudi Arabia and Iran have verses from the koran on them why should Israels national symbols not be jewish ones to reflect the fact its a JEWISH STATE.

Danite, you are not right that Turkey has always respected Jews. They executed many many Jewish figures on trumped-up charges during Ottoman times, including one of my ancestors. Apart from this, Ottoman Turkey was FURIOUSLY opposed to the Zionist movement in the Eretz Israel after the 1st Aliya (1882), and the Sultan gave Theodor Herzl a royal snub on the issue. In World War I, the Jews helped the British army in the war against Ottoman Turkey, part of which involved the creation of a Jewish Legion (formed by Jabotinsky...Trumpeldor fought in that legion) that liberated the Galilee from the Turks. Also, there was the Zion Mule Corps that fought in the ill-fated battle of Gallipoli. It was the Turkish army under Kemal Ataturk that destroyed Tel Aviv in 1917 and expelled all its residents. The order was, in fact, given to put to death the Jews in Eretz Israel (at least the ones who arrived since the 1st Aliya, but probably all of them for good measure, a-la-Armenians). But it was too late, due to the landing of General Allenby at Gaza. During WWII, Turkey was a 'neutral' country, and we all know what that means: it supplied the Germans with resources, while denying the Jews safe passage. Turkey was one of the parties responsible for the sinking of the Jewish refugee ship, the Struma. In 1947, at the UN vote on the 'partition plan', Turkey voted AGAINST the creation of a Jewish state. Not that it mattered: it was a stillborn General Assembly recommendation, but it showed who was on whose side. Lately there has been a lot of cooperation between Israel and Turkey, mostly in the way of Israel upgrading the Turkish F16's, and the Jewish lobby in USA helping Turkey to look good. But now, Turkey doesn't need us any more. They think they are going into the EU, so they can take off the mask. Now, they can accuse Israel of genocides and state terrorism, and make friends with Syria and Iran and come to Ramallah and say 'the West Bank is an open prison'....but that's alright!! They know that if Sharon ever goes to Turkey he wouldn't dare breathe a word about Kurds, and that nudnik Peres would just continue to deny the Armenian genocide...because Israel is a lonely country without friends, so whatever we get, we'll take..right? of course right!

Let's be nice to the Palestinians and allow them to have the olive tree on their flag.

Khalid - you keep crying "racism" - but its an absured comment with no facts and no relevence here. ISRAEL (if you would read your own koran/bible) has existed before mohammed was born but this ISNT the topic here. The topic is should Israel include any other symbols on its flag. NO OTHER country does so why should Israel - stop crying fire in a crowded theatre - if/when the Palestinians get a country - let them have thier flag - Israel has its own. STAY ON TOPIC

Equal rights for everyone in Israel?! Would anyone, I mean anyone show me with real facts, that minorities can florish and express themselves in any muslim country? Thank you. Just try to walk around with a yamulke or jewish religious garb in a muslim country and your lynching will be guaranteed. Get a life!!!!

Ok, a few points: first of all, naqba day and yom ha'atzmaut are completely the antithesis of each other, and it seems fairly ridiculous to make both national holidays of Israel. I like the idea of the olive tree on the flag, but i also think that's neither here nor there. the point of israel is to be a jewish state, democratic and with civil rights, but jewish. what that mean is that it should be represented by its jewish flag, and representative of its non-jewish min (maj) orities. to be representative means granting equal rights and treating all citizens as equal. changing the flag is probably the least important thing here. first let's see israel work on democracy in practice, and then let's talk about symbols.

Mehmet, Never heard of Jews in America or Israel making any fuss over the flags. Seems like you've got this info off Al-Jazeera-like sources. My friend, you simply don't know much about Jewish culture & Jewish religion. Longing for Zion, for the land of Israel is something that is ingrained in every Jewish person. That does not prevent us from being patriotic citizens of other countries. It is this connection, that made us endure the Romans'explusion, Assyrians' population transfer, Inquisition, forced conversions, pogroms, etc - that's why the Jewish people are still around.

A jew with the Torah in one hand and an Uzi submachine gun in the other, and with a kippa on the head, is a criminal and a despicable terrorist..He shoudl go to jail, not set foot in Hebron to murder women and chidlren, or attack University campuses, as Jewish terrorists did in the summer of 1983. As for Jews who want to live in peace and mutual respect, our homes are open for them. They are our friends, neighbors and natural partners for peace. So, the choice is your's Shimon. Khalid

#165 Superimpose a picture of Saddam Hussein with the Caption: I received $20,000 for blowing my daughter up #166 Change the colors to Red and White with an Arsenal logo and send in the F16's #167 White Flag with script: Offer Accepted #168 Green Flag with Harp : Yaakov for President

Khalid obviously doesn't have enough space to launch his lies in al-Jazeera, so now he has to invent lies for Ha'Aretz. Sorry Khalid, but Jews don't burn down synagogues. That's what Muslim terrorists do. Not only in the South of France, but in Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, and New York City, to name a few. Tell me Khalid. Does it make you feel honorable to spout such lies? One has to wonder just how bad things are in the territories for you to try attempt to turn fantasy into reality. Maybe next time you can regale us with the Sa'ab Erekat version of the battle of Jenin where 5,000 Palestinians were massacred and their bodies secretly carted off.

Of course, I'm a chevreman, Danite. I do have problems with the nationalist thing, admitted. I've seen how very easily it can become a disease and infect an entire nation. Not in Israel, only. Elsewhere as well. A sense of identity is a godd thing. It keeps us rooted, gives us a past, roots us in the apresent and orientates us to the future. But it has many inherent dangers. I'm not upset or nervous, just very critical and will keep asking the questions and not let Israel slide by with her defenses. I answer a question about changing the flag. I didnt insist on it. But I really think my idea of the olive tree is a pretty good one. We could get it to be associated with Israel as much as the cedar is with Lebanon. Mah lo beseder im a rahion sheli. Ani ma'adif et hazeitim l'akochavim bderech klal,V'etz zeitim, ani bemet ohev.

Dear Mehmet, You say: "Trying to convince the Turkish Jews to emigrate to Israel is an insult to Turkey... they are the people of this land, not the hot dry Negev. So the trouble is not the Israeli flag but the Israeli mentality." Perhaps if there was less antisemitism in Turkey, those Jews would feel more at home and would not be amenable to emigrate to Israel. See report below: MEMRI Report on Anti-Semitism in Turkish Media Part I: http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sd&ID=SP90005 Part II: http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sd&ID=SP90405 (Yine demagojiyi biraz fazla kacirdiniz...)

Speaking about distorting History (#100), your problem seems to be existential, Amayreh. Hebron, Oz or Hebron, Lalaland may well be at the same location. But Hebron, Palestine like the way you use to introduce yourself, today, as it goes, is sheer wishful thinking.

I am delighted you like my idea for the new flag. It is as I described it in my posting. Let's keep it simple. I'm pleased you like the colour scheme.

Lying again, Khalid - nothing but shameless propaganda "Israeli agents" burning synagogues & attacking Jews in France - no, it's the angry young French of North African ethnicity. No one in France denies this - including Islamic community leaders. Khalid - perhaps you've read too much of "Protocols" before posting to this forum. Do not distort history - stop lying & inventing, Khalid.

Thanks...i needed that...hilarious...keep up the good work

Bolsward, don't confuse and lump things: There are Israelites, there are Hebrews, there are Jews, these are not the same people. Jews are not necessary Israelites and Israelites are not necessary Jews. There are tens of thousands of Palestinians who are Israelites, but they are Muslims. There are millions of Muslims in the Middle who are descendants of Jacob. LIkewise, there are millions of Jews, especialy Ashkenazi Jews, who have no biological connection with Abraham, or Issac or Jacob. Then, what about Jesus, an Israelite Prophet who parted from Pharisee Judaism? Are Jesus and his followers covered in that Famous promise? Khalid

Oh tembel "Who would be upset by a smiley face" man will you open up the flood gates. First you will hav to fend off the World Wide Federation of Depressed people, Depressed anonymous, the artist community will consdier it to realistic, to figurative, feminists will call it to male the list goes on.

Shimon, don't evade the subject. One fourth of Israeli citizens are not Jews. Those are citizens and in any democratic country, they would be treated as equal citiznes... Here you are trying to invent every coneivable way and means to deny them equal rights, even to get them to leave. A few months ago, up to 60% of Israeli jews said in an opinon survey that they would support legislation "encouraging" non-Jews to leave the country... Shimon, you live in a racist state..View yourself in the mirror of your conscience, if you have one. Khalid

Leave everything as it is. Surely the Arabs in their ability to create a fictitious People, Religion, History (no Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, no historical presence of Jews in the Land, they are descendants of the original inhabitants-Phillistines) can find the means to explain that all of the symbols on the flag are really symbols of their noble history, religion and people. Man, I am so funny, I amaze myself! Nope, my mistake. It's the Israeli Luny Leftists that are so funny!

Replace the star with a smiley face. Come on! Who is gonna be offended by a smiley face?

Israel conciders others 2nd calss citizens, eh khalid?? If thats so, why can i, a jew, not even set foot into the 80% of Hebron that you call your home without probably being shot beaten and mutilated by a bloodthirsry mob??? now apparently according to you, THAT is how to treat people outside your religion. As for those other arab coutries, they do a trrific job of allowing others in...they wouldnt kill jews at all....oh, wait, they would.

Shimon, Zionism lured and duped them to leave...Zionist agents burned Iraqi jews' businesses, and detonated bombs synagogues..Just Like some Israeli agents are doing in France these days, burning Jewish community centers, inventing storeis about being kidnapped and beaten and raped by "North-African looking..Arabs.!!!" So, don't distort history. Khalid

Replace the Star of David with a sheep being slaughtered. This should be acceptable to the Jews who long for the clarity of victimhood; the sympathy of the world for being the "poor Jews". This should also be acceptable to the Moslems who understand that they are doing the slaughtering and after the slaughter they will skin the carcass (symbolizing economic pillaging), quarter the carcass (symbolizing the disposession of their enemies from their Land), roast the flesh (symbolizing the ultimate destruction of their enemies), and finally eat the delicious meat (symbolizing the assimilation of their enemy's wealth, legacy and history), thereby becoming the representatives of the "poor Jews" that the world will feel bad about.

Forget the War,mate.. Just say 1966!!!!! Its the year Englands team,Rabbi Hurst,Rabbi Bobby Moore and company destroyed them...

The Shield of David should be removed and replaced with a motto, "Please Don't Hurt Me". The font should be chosen for the artistic ability to cause the viewer to perceive the flag as cringing. The Shield is no longer appropriate as the State no longer sees its mission as protecting all Jews. This should be acceptable to the Jews, as it shows that in our desire for peace we are willing to throw away everything we have acquired through Just Wars (because it was War, an inevitably messy and unjust process), including self respect, and is more in line with our self perception. This should also be acceptable to the Palestinians/Moslems/Arabs as it shows that despite defeat at the hands of their former victim, despite being despised and abused by their own Arab peoples, despite having no economic or military substance, despite having no history, culture, language or state to justify their claims to a country in the Jewish, Western portion of Mandated Palestine, having relied on nothing more than suicidal terrorism, repetitive lies and the subtle and latent anti-Semitism of the World's political players and manipulators, still managed to extract a State from within a State.

Why do you always insist on the Jews erasing themselves as a nation?? Once again why is any expression of Jewish nationhood anathema and everybody else can fly their ethnic flags high! Please dont give me that stuff about being more "spiritual" than other nations, we can be spiritual and have a physical national presence in the world. Please put down that big eraser that you hold and try to erase everything with Jewish written on it? What is this mania all about? I invited you to a "mangal party" yesterday in good slanf Hebrew which haarezt had the good humour to translate into english but I know you speak perfect"Israeli" Ma ata kol kach astbani alainu kfar! Boh nachin lecha achla sutul Yaakov, tehiye chervreman nu?

Well, Phil, let's see, we have Egypt, Syria, palestine, Oman, Yemen, Lebanon, Qatoar, Sudan and the UAE. No Muslim symbols. So let's see Israel agree to the olive tree.

Before all the Arba coutries like Iraq kicked out thousands of Jews, there was a big Jewish population there...change that fla to represent its history. Beisdes, what would israel put for a palestinian symbol?? A suicide bomber?? When your people even remotely ACKNOWLEDGE israel as a state and fight for Israel in the army and pay taxes to the Israeli government, and not spew hatred...then maybe we can talk. Until then, it seems pointless to have half the flag for Jews with the corrent symbol, and the other half for palestinians...the current symbol with an X through it.

I agree with you Turkish Jews should be buried in the flag of their country. It was an example of how jews can feel at home in a state that has the crescent on its flag as an example of how a minority should acknowledge the character of the majority of any given state. I think Turkey is very fine example of respect between Muslims and Jews and I wish the Turkish model couldbe exported all over the Muslim world. Turkey has always been just with the Jews, as I jew if I lived in turkey I would be proud to fly the Turkish flag! Long life and peace to turkey!!

Your remarks are just plane rediculous. Why not waste your time bothering the US...a very large majority were children of people who have immegrated since 1776...Why not make America add some lines about freeing the back people in the 1800s and hippie life in the 60's to keep it more up to date?? Lets change the flag use half of it to have some spanish symbol becuase such a large percentage in some areas is spanish?? DO U AGREE WITH THIS LOGIC KHALID?

Wolfram you know about that Jesus guy, said something about throwing stones. those who have sinned shouldn't be throwing rocks. Well you sir have thrown a stone, and are not clean. After your countries dirty deed in the thirties and forties. Your country as well as the rest of Europe layed in dust and blood, who Pray Tell cleaned up the mess and fed the volk? Palestine? Nope. Now here comes the music (how about star spangled banner) now hummm along. Marshall Plan, US spends huge amounts of green-backs on rebuilding Germany. Germany is split, with an eager Stalinist foe sitting on your border. they have big guns, rockets, a nuclear arsenal, and no moral scruples about losing a ton of soldiers. Germany stands naked to he east, thank goodness for all those ugly Yankee tanks, and fighter jets patrolling your skies. Keeping you free, to think, read, learn and live. Actually your bottom was saved by and your pockets lined by the good ole American taxpayer. I can only thank the Americans for their help, but Israel is certainly not America, and no matter the hype, is not itching to be . so remember those words of Herr Jesus and think first before you throw stones. Now you got to admit the star of David is a lovely symbol, as nice as a cross and definitely more creative than three stripes. thank yo for your time.

Look mate,Fox,Lunsman,compatriate... In your old country here in snow city and in the Americas we all have short attention spans..and we all like heroes...(ok Mariah Carey,hit it!)but I do have tickets for the Raptors,I watch the Leafs in the Playoffs only,rare mate,rare..but watching my beloved football or soccer as we call it here is special mate....my team in London..Tottenham play in glorious Navy and White and they are called the Yids by the rival fans(we have a lot of Jewish supporters)...Its different mate than American sports....where I am liberal for Canada and Liberal for Israel...I am a right wing (sic) maniac for Tottenham!!!!! Anyway all the best,Shalom and best wishes for more Arabs to get onto the Israeli team,we need more goals!

i think that many israeli's feel a sense of jewish guilt and that is why they spend time writing articles such as the Star of David Article. rather than be proud and speak one's mind, guilt has a way of effecting sensitivities and causes a person to take the opposite stand on issues. jewish guilt has a way of creating feelings of negativity, which i suspect are the motivating forces in the author's outlook, focusing on solutions to problems that may or may not be fixable. i suggest that jews try not solve problems in which israeli arabs feel bad about their failure to create a national homeland for themselves. i also suggest that jews forget about being guilty and be proud.

First, all points should be rounded, as points indicate aggressiveness, while roundness indicates willingness to accomodate and compromise and not be so definitive, self certain, intolerant and nationalistic. Second, remove the upper left point (triangle) altogether as a mark of pride that we withdrew from Lebanon in spite of having waged a just war against a terrorist state and refused to take what was rightfully ours as stated in the Torah, our national contribution to the foundation of Western civilization, because it would have upset our enemies. Third, with the Gaza disengagement remove the lower left point altogether as a mark of pride that we have disengaged from a terrorist entity, rather than destroy it outright, because the UN would prefer keeping our enemies in a state of simmering misery. Fourth, as we proceed with the disengagement from Judea and Samaria, remove the lower right point, as a mark of pride that our history, religion, patriarchs and national pride are not as important to us as to be accepted by the righteous, moral and civilized peoples of the West. In anticipation of the inevitable withdrawal from the Golan Heights, remove the upper right point, as a mark of pride that we have the ability to overrule our common sense and knowledge of history and temperament of our enemies, in our quest for peace with them. Finally, as we withdraw from and compromise over Jerusalem, carve out from the right side of the center, as a mark of pride that we would rather have peace with our enemies, instead of clinging to outdated notions of uniqueness and historical destiny and identity; that we are a practical people willing to give in to a fiercely determined enemy, antagonistic world and apathetic friends. At this point we will have a national flag reflecting with pride the personas of the two Peoples that share this Land: the Jews as described, and the Moslims will take encouragement from the resulting Crescent that their quest will soon be done.

15 Abraham, your wife's name will now be Sarah instead of Sarai. 16 I will bless her, and you will have a son by her. She will become the mother of nations, and some of her descendants will even be kings. 17 Abraham bowed with his face to the ground and thought, ?I am almost a hundred years old. How can I become a father? And Sarah is ninety. How can she have a child?? So he started laughing. 18 Then he asked God, ?Why not let Ishmael i 17.18 Ishmael: Ishmael was the son of Sarah's slave Hagar (see 16.1-16).inherit what you have promised me?? 19 But God answered: No! You and Sarah will have a son. His name will be Isaac, j 17.19 Isaac: In Hebrew ?Isaac? sounds like ?laugh.?and I will make an everlasting promise to him and his descendants. 20 I have heard what you asked me to do for Ishmael, and so I will also bless him with many descendants. He will be the father of twelve princes, and I will make his family a great nation. 21 But your son Isaac will be born about this time next year, and the promise I am making to you and your family will be for him and his descendants forever.

The insane who write this should be fired from Haaretz and go to live and work in ramallah.

Mehmet, marhabah hamood, I know nothing of the deal with the Turkish flags, sounds like something the Turkish press would blow up to sell some newspapers. Now if a Turkish guy dies in Canada or in Germany or in the US and decides he wants his coffin to be draped in a Turkish flag then so be it, why not. Whatever flag, you have to understand in most western countries this is not an issue. It would also not be an issue for a person in Israel to be buried with whatever flag they desire. Number two, sorry to inform you my friend, but you do not own your Jews. You do not own any of the people that live in Turkey. If someone desires to leave then fine, they can leave. If the Greek government issues a statement requesting that all Greek citizens of Turkey come back to Greece, what do you care! It is actually none of your business. The Turks are a proud people with a long colonial history. It is your mentality which has to change. You do not own anyone, including your women, your Jews, your Kurds, your Armenians or Moslems. Individuals should be free to act and think as they like, as long as it is within the law, to a degree.

Annette, thinking about these things requires a certain openmindedness. even if most people turn the idea down, still, asking the question is a sane and legitimite one.

Hey Ronnie, thought maybe you and Michael were related. Sam last name same town, Jewish geography. Well I got to tell you, I am sick of football, that and bsketball is all we get over here. But, by law, I had to watch the finals of the Champions League. Now I grew up with overtime, sudden death hockey. I loved that sudden death thing. After 120 minutes of fine fast paced football the game was decided by penalty kicks. What gives? That is like deciding the NBA championships with foul shots, or the World Series with a home run derby, or football by field goals. I am truly disgusted, got any feelings on that?

When Justice is done to the Palestinians, the issue of symbols will become irrelevant.

so, jack o'sullivan has a sister!!! research your facts darling... haaretz, you are obviously now allowing any contribution onto your forum whether there is/isnt a skerick of truth attached?? what is going wrong with this paper?

Try getting any Arab country to alter their flag to include any non-Muslim entity-just try that! The idea of altering the Israeli flag to accommodate another segment of their society is ludicrous. How about including all of the other diverse groups in Israel? You would need a flag the size of a football field!

In the beginning G-D created the heavens and the earth, thus the earth and its fullness belongs to G-D. He decided to give a little piece of it to the Jews. Jewish State = Jewish Flag. 1+1=2, I'm sure of that. Shalom

Mr. Rabinowitz , What are you smoking?..Are you on something? Come back from your trip , it will lead nowhere. W

The answer is obvious: a flag of 51 little Stars of David, to be hoisted sumultaneously in Washington and Tel Aviv. This will at once honor those who are running the show and those who are paying the bill.

The only symbols the Israel flag should bear are a tank and a bulldozer for the Israeli state is known more for the massive destruction it has caused since it became a state than anything else. Havng the Star of David on the Israeli flag is representative of the fact that all the atrocities, inhumane policies, and racist laws are carried out in the name of Jews everywhere whether or not such crimes and policies are supported.

jack if you reckon an olive tree then fine by me.....NOT!!!

Yn good comments,I still think its way premature.A war could break out tommorow,mate!

... to write trash like this?

Mr. Rabinowitz appears to have a problem with Israel being a Jewish state, and Jewish symbols of that state. Many countries have a national religion and coexisting minorities. There is no contradiction. Any non-Jew who is uncomfortable in living in a Jewish state is free to leave and live in an Arab, Christian, Buddhist etc country of his choice. I sometimes wonder about the determination of people on the political left to include Arabs in the national narrative of the State of Israel. Is it really their concern for their Arab brethren or just their own desire to dilute or even annul the Jewish character of the State. (And by the way, Nakba day is a commemoration of the flight of local Arabs when the Arabs attacked Israel. Which means that their "disaster" was of their own making.) I have a better idea to make everyone feel comfortable. Let's do away with blue stars and stripes and wave a white flag. Isn't that what you really want Mr. Rabinowitz?

Russel, how about moving en mass to Nikoda? or the Jerusalem Post, the mouthpiece of the settlers, or Aruz Shiva? Khalid

Does the Torah of Moses teach that you should discriminate against non-Jews, oppress them, and view them as children of a lesser God.? As far as I know, the Ten commandements apply to Jews and non-Jews alike. "Thous Shall not murder" mens thou shall not murder any human being....Thous Shall not steal..mens don't steal from anybody..notjust form Jews... It is sad that many of those claiming to follow the Torah do just the opposite of what Torah teaches them to do. Khalid

That is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. Why bother with that when we can just adapt the Palestinian flag, and save our government time and money.

Jon of Toronto, good to hear from you from the Western hemisphere...but what about the one quarter of Israel's citizens who are not Jewish? Should they seek another country? Convert to Judaism? (will they be accepted by the conversion committe)..or perhaps immigrate where you are . You must be a man who believe in civil society and human equality, since you are a Canadian citizen. Khalid

I agree. This topic is simply a divertissementm but it certainly has brought out the mad dogs all asnapping at Ha'aretz. H'aaretz, is and always has been, at the forefront of journalism in Israel. What about using the example of Ireland? The tricolour of orange, green and white. Orange has always been the colour of the North, of Orangement and Protestant Unionists, Green the colour of the Republic and mostly Catholic Republicans (and blessfully, the entire island)White, of course, is peace between the two on a united field. So the if the Irish could do it-unite those disparate segments of its population, why can't Israel do the same?

what does a flag got to do with being treated equally? go preach equality to your neighbors such as "saudi arabia".

Only Jews would stoop to debate the right to existence in their own country. The ghetto mentality in the Galut is alive and well. We Israelis don't debate such nonsense: The location of our Capitol and the Star on our flag are not open for debate. I do not wrangle my hands over the loss of Arab life caused by and rooted in an insatiable hatred for Jews and Israel. I will not apoligize for my existence. If my flag and country offend you, tough. We are here and will remain here. Whether you get over that fact, or make peace with us I don't care. We exist and continue to do so dispite what the world thinks or does.

The author is self hating Jew which likes the enemy more than its people. How else can we justify that he wants to celebrate the so called "catastrophe" (aka Naqba) of Israel's creation. I take pride in the fact that due to large family size of jewish religious publick such self hating Jews as Rubinstein, Akiva Eldar are the tiniest possible minority in Israel.

In a world which refuses to accept the legitimacy of the Magen David Adom and blackballs the organization...Solely on the basis of the Organization's symbol (the star of David) it is reprehensible that Mr. Rabiniowitz stands up and declares that the nation and the people that support such an organization should tear down the very same symbol.

great design but what color blue?which green? how many olives?how bout 3 stripes. white white or off white?with a greyish cast or leaning toward bluish? why not re-design your own flag first since you are so good at it.

Haaretz has fallen way off the to the far left. It expresses the views of a few rich post-Zionist post-Jewish post-everything guys who think they have enough money and connections to buy their way to safety if the Arabs take over, so they don't give a damn what happens to the rest of the Jewish People.

fyi there were christian only neighborhoods not far from where you are until the last 30 or so years.I grew up in Florida and remember well where Jews could or could not live,go or be."no jews or dogs allowed"on one beach. Get off your high horse.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Part of me would really like to see Hatikvah edited a bit to mark the Israeli Arabs' devotion to the land as well.

I think it's sickening to even think of changing the flag. Why is Israel always the beast of burden for Political correctness freaks? Israel is and is the the only Jewish state. Why is the world so racist against Jews that it feels this uncomfortable just looking at a Jewish star upon a flag? What is wrong with this world???

It could be great...we can have half the falg an israeli flag, and for the arab side of it, why not put an israeli falg with an X going through it and ripped to shreds?? Why would we mention a people that mourns our existance???? I am starting to think Haaretz is really written in Tulkarem

Israel is the only country in the world that has more trees now than it did 100 years ago.

Michael, are you reffering to the time when the Arabs attacked israel in 48, 56, 67, in the 80s and 90s and now as israel's racism?? Who is racist? Israel, or the Arabs whose only plan is to drive them into the sea?? And by the way, tell America to include spanish on their flag and Britian to include Irish symbols as well. While we are at it, why dont we tell Germany to include Jewish symbols because they were racist to Jews, whcih by your logic means we should have a symbol o n their flag. Next time think befoer you write. Thanks

Striving for equality of all its citizens, peace with its neighbors and the separation of state and religion ae noble casues that should be pursued. But to change the symbol of this country's flag is ridiculous, even in contemplation. By accomodation the demands of the very people who would see our demise, this move would be alienating the majority. We might as well pack up and leave.

I disagree with Danny Rabinowitz regarding changing the flag of Israel. However! I FAULT the editor who approved the publication of such a silly thought. In these days of so many vitally important issues it seems trite to give such voice to a silly idea...Thank You Sel

considering the racist and genocidal manner in which the white australians have treated their aboriginal population, i find it offensice that you would advise about israel keeping the jewish symbols on her flag or pay lip service to equal rights and respect for minorities. neither australia nor israel have ever done that, nor do they have any intention of granting equal rights to their minorities.

It is time for Israelis and Jews everywhere to seriously discuss the enactment of a Constitution and the actual meaning and parameters of a "Jewish " state. Will oservance of Shabat be required upon penalty of law? How far will it go? Must we wear beards and Tallit? Will other religions be permitted to practice ? Here in the States, Jews tend to cling to that First Amendment for dear life. But will the Knesset be be prohibited from enacting any law tending to the establish of religion under an Israeli Constitution? I suggest a Constitution modeled on the U.S Constitution with the same Bill of Rights but with the right of Jews to return guaranteed.

Is this for real? Establish the "Catastrophe" Day in the Israeli calendar? This is also the Jewish calendar. Diapsora Jews honor Yom Ha'Shoah, Yom Ha'Zikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut. They are to now also recognize Nakba Day? Without all the cliche and trite remarks about how Israel is the Jewish State, I wonder if a Palestinian State would consider putting the Magen David on their flag, or honor any Jewish holidays at all, Biblical, Rabbinic or modern. Nakba Day as a sanctioned holiday, breath some reality and get over yourself.

Haaretz and other outlets of leftist apologists seem to want to destroy Israel from within. A Nakba Day? Taking Jewish symbols off of national emblems? What kind of self hating Jews are you? Leave this kind of drivel for your April Fools edition. Stop trying to turn Israel into a nonsectarian country. If you want to live in one, America is a great country - try to get a visa and come here. It may be difficult for you to get an H visa though since those are for professionals and you seem like amateurs.

Maybe Brazil should remove the green background from its flag since its actively deforesting the Amazon. Also, the fact that you have "Ordem and Progresso" on your flag is ludicrous because Brazil is neither orderly nor progressive - ask the tens of millions who live in the favelas whether they see any order and progress. Gilberto, concern yourself with Brazil. Let Jews concern themselves with Israel.

No problem with the Israeli flag. Jews played the essential role for the establishment of Israel so be it. The trouble is that many jews in Israel and US did not like the idea of the jews being put in the coffins wrapped with the Turkish flags after the synagogue bombings. In what flag were they supposed to be ? Israeli ?Israel tries to steal the jews of other countries. Trying to convince the Turkish jews to emigrate to Israel is an insult to Turkey, they are Turkish citizens, they speak Turkish, they eat Turkish food, they make Turkish jokes, they are the people of this land, not the hot dry Negev. So the trouble is not the Israeli flag but the Israeli mentality.

Actually this is a good question because it asks whether the State of Israel intends to always be racist as it has been since conception. While there is nothing wrong in having a place to call home, there is everything wrong in trying to separate oneself from parts or all of humanity. A democratic Israel needs a new flag that includes all its citizens, whether Jews, Moslems, Christians or otherwise. While it would be ridiculous adding crosses, crescent moons etc. perhaps simply the seven colours depicting the outer form of light?

There's now a million former "Russians" in Israel. They still speak their language & thousands of them are ethnic Russians/Ukrainians/Belorussians/other. Why not add a little symbol on their behalf to Israeli flag ? Ronnie is right about the topic. Makes little sense. :)

Comparison between Union Jack (British flag) and the Israeli flag is not relevant?after all neither Scots, nor Irish nor Welsh harbor any desire to destroy England and throw English in the sea. The fact that 20% of Israel?s population is Arab is a reality, that will make itself ever more painfull as tome goes on. It is also a reality that no matter the level of integration of Arab citizens into Israeli mainstream (as of now there are Supreme court justices, MK, and even second echelon military commanders) a large portion of these citizens will always claim to be disadvantaged and will always clamor for more special accommodations and will always form a separate and somewhat hostile to the state community. In other words these citizens will always reject Jewish nature of the State of Israel---this rejection will always go beyond normal grudges of a normal citizen, but in fact will entail total rejection of the state as it is. This is already happening, and there are signs that the process of the rejection of the State of Israel as a Jewish state among Arab citizens is gaining momentum. To me it seems a logical step, in order to preserve Jewish nature of Israel and to accelerate creation of Palestinian state, that people should be given a choice whether or not they want to remain citizens of Israel with all that it entails---i.e recognition of the Jewish nature of the state, and rejection of Palestinian identity, no special rights and no Palestinian celebrated dates i.e Naqba, Land day, etc etc. Those who prefer to be Palestinian citizens will be able to accentuate their dream---with everything that it entails i.e no Hatikva, no Star of David, no Hebrew, no Jewish holidays. To accelerate this choice it seems logical to me to swap the land of the Jewish settlements in disputed territories in exchange for territory inside the State of Israel where Arab population that rejects State of Israel as a Jewish state resides. Thus both the future of Israel as a Jewish state and the future of Palestine will be realized

Why is it that the Druze, Circussian, Beduin & some Israeli Arabs have no problem identifying with the symbols of the Israel ? Azzam Azzam, a man illegally imprisoned by Egyptians was one of the people who lit the candles on the Independence Day. Several Israeli Generals are members of the Druze community. My cousin who is serving in IDF has a Christian Arab friend who is volunteering in the Army.

Of course the flag should have the star of david. Israel is a Jewish State. I am a Jew who lived in Egypt which had the crescent. So what? It is a Moslem state, though at the time Egypt had Jews and Coptic Christians who represented 15% of the population.

Everyone is rhetorically asking if the US should change its flag in comparison with this proposal... YES, America should have a different flag!! NO, Israel should not!! This is perfectly logical.. they are not equal situations.

Frank, To continue with your ideas, here in the US we wouldn't tolerate the fact that people get murdered just for sale of their own property to others people of different faith. There are Arab-only neighborhoods in Jerusalem, and if I, a Jew would move in, I'd not survive there long. As to the roads, you're either brainwashed by ISM propoganda or know little about what you talk about. By-pass roads are there to protect Jewish motorists from being shot at or torn to pieces by Palestinian mobs/terrorists. I'm sure you've seen happy Palestinian teens proudly showing bloodied hands to the cameras. Fortunately, Jewish motorists in this country do not have to be afraid of that.

I'm Jewish & I would not have a problem had the US flag originally have crosses in it. Refering to our heritage as Judeo-Christian does not bother me at all either. I believe many flags in Europe have Christian crosses in them & no one ever had any problems with that. I think Turkish flag, country that's officially secular also has islamic motives in it - it reflects country's heritage & shouldn't bother anyone at all.

You guys Just don't get it. There is a time for Peace and a time for War. Jews are experts at living in Peace, as they have in their host countries as they have wandered from country to country suffering persecution for so many years. So much so, that they are willing to give up their own newly re-aquired country to tenacious aggressors who have wanted their destruction from the outset. Why are we so willing to do this. I believe it is because the Labor Zionists came here for the wrong reasons. And now that those reasons are not relevant, so there is really not a reason to keep the state. But we will keep the state, beacause the Torah true Jews in Israel will not give it away wholsale as the current leadership is so willing. And we should add a symbol of the Torah next to the Star of David, because only State dedicated to G-d's Torah will recieve the blessing of survival.

Fox,if Michael is a extreme centrist moral relativist like me dont bother,I am only interested in speaking to right wing extremists,terrorists,Arsenal supporters (they are in the same league as the other two) and Christian Evangelists (they kill me with their pseudo dreams of Israel) But You Fox,you are ok.As a moral relativist I thank you for actually agreeing.

It is not the flag that needs to be changed, it is the racist infrastructure of Israel itself. Israel has Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and other citizens who should all be treated equally. Treating non-Jews as "lesser citizens" is the antithesis of democracy, morality and justice. Khalid

The liberal media in Israel is quite similar to the one in the United States. Everything that has been established, and does carry values throughout many years or even centuries has to be changed, deformed and twisted just for the sake of a "liberal thinker". I am torn in between a rightout laughter at those incredible ignorant opinions and a angry mood.

Why does israel have to ignore its history because Arabs multiply more?? Does that make any sense?? Does America add spanish to theri flag and star spangled banner just because a vary large minority is spanish?? Maybe they should turn the thirteen striped from red to black so african americans are shown too??? Your statement is obsurd.

Drafting a constitution based on a fusing of sorts of the rights and delcarations made in the Israeli Declaration of Independence with the various relevant Basic Laws passed since the founding of the state to guarantee both the rights of minorities within Israel as well as Israel's status as the national home of the Jewish people is an even better way of going about ensuring Israel's unique Jewish nature while at the same time ensuring that all citizens, having been created equal, enjoy equal protections, liberties and rights under the laws of the State of Israel. No democracy is perfect, but every democracy has some sort of majority group. As long as minorities have the right to voice their opinions, elect representatives to the Knesset of their own choosing, worship according to their beliefs and raise families according to their values without being punished for doing so, Israel's status as a free, democratic JEWISH state is unassailable. It is not the case that most Jews want all the Arabs out of Israel, but it is the case that most Arabs want Jews out of what they demand for "Palestine". Arabs holding Israeli citizenship can choose to make the best sort of positive contribution they can as a minority grouping to the state if they so wish, or they can shun the state and it's symbols as they see fit. This does not in any way obligate us to change the state to fit their vision of what it should be. Of course we can't expect an Arab Muslim to sing "HaTikvah" happily or willingly. This is an area where I'm a little less hard-lined. Still, the only reason for "HaTikvah" to be changed, though, would not be because of a specific intention to placate the minority but instead would be to bring it up to date with the reality that for Jews being a free people in our land is no longer "the hope" of the Jewish people but a fact of modern life. Maybe "Jerusalem of Gold" would be more appropriate? Does it matter that it's tune was borrowed from the Basque? Not at all. It's a beautiful song, mostly non-political and it already holds special meaning for Israelis due to the circumstances of it's release. It is completely reasonable that an Arab should be able to sing this song alongside a Jew, because every person can take their own meaning from the lyrics...they can make the song their own. Is it a bit nationalistic? Sure. But is it conveniently also more accomodating than "HaTikvah"? Very much so. Even then, it is a song sung primarily from a Jewish point of view. Zionism gave to Jews the right to govern themselves according to their own beliefs and points-of-view. It has had many accomplishments, though many declare it a dead movement or that we are in a "post-Zionist" era. Israeli Jews should be able to celebrate the miracle of Jewish statehood with Jewish symbols, a flag and a national anthem while at the same time respect those non-Jews in the country and treat them as the honored residents they should be treated as. We Jews only have one country to call our own, and we needn't apologize for creating it, defending it, and being proud that it is JEWISH.

Israel is a Jewish state created for the Jews and must remain Jewish in population,flag,anthem and all its symbols. The Arabs that stayed in Israel must accept that fact or move to the many Arab countries around Israel. I must remind the people that are so politically correct and who are willing to change Israel into a multi national country that Israel was created for the Jews and if they want a multi national country ,go to the U.S. We must also remember that if there was a vote in 1947,there would be no Israel since there were more Arabs than Jews in Palestine.The decision in 1947 to divide the land in 2 states means that Israel must be Jewish and the other part Arab. I don't understand where the idea was created that Arabs can live in Israel while Jews can not live in Arab countries

change it to three horizontal stripes, yellow for the desert, blue for the sea and green for the trees israel used to have. then have a dove in the center. this would be a flag all citizens could identify with, especiall since at some point, the arab citizens will become a majority.

What kind of question is this? What? Are Jews not allowed to have their own country with all the Jewish symbols that they are entitle to? Try to tell that to the arab nations that shove their crescent moon to all of us in our face. The people at Ha?aretz love all these anti-Israel, anti-Zionism and anti-Jewish pieces. That?s way this paper is not a news source but a tabloid of anti Israel propaganda. The founders of this paper must be rolling in their graves because of the kind of so called ?journalism?.

Which person dreams up these stupid questions ? what ELSE should there be on an Israeli flag ? Should the US put Native American symbols instead of the stars and bars ? This question is nothing but an attempt to antagonize Iarealis and Jews the World over. No other flag from ANY OTHER COUNTRY has a symbol/symbols other then what its main focus and idea is - Israel is no different.

To add to messages number 1, 3, and 4... yes, but you all forgot about something!! It is my opinion that "absolutely no way" is the only answer to the proposal to change Israeli national symbols such as what is written in the article, however, the most relevant similarity that actually is a good idea is to change the American flag. This is because America is no longer an anglo-saxon state (or colony - thouh sometimes it acts like it!) and to have a flag whose colors and design are nothing more than left over from a simple rendition of the british flag is undemocratic and unfair to all the rest of its citizens (not to mention the American Indians). Should the US people have to think of themselves as all being a simple variation of the british, when they are certainly not all even anglo-saxon? This is a much more worthwhile proposal than changing the Israeli flag.. a country which is (and justly so) a Jewish state.

One step of post-zionism at a time folks. First remove the star and withdraw from Gaza then the stripes with the rest of it and then youv'e reached the final conclusion of the zionist dream.

I can only agree with you Ronnie, well put. By the way do you know Michael Wollman?

Shere were you during history 101. Herzl saw a need for a Jewish state. A place where Jews could feel free to be Jews, free to be prime-minister, king queen, priest or priestess, a place where a Jewish thief can stal money and when he is cost the whole community does NOT have to feel the reprecussions, a state where Jewish refugees whether from Europe, North Africa, India, Ethiopia or New Jersey can find refuge. What is sad is that Herzl was prophetic, the holocaust took place after a long line of expulsions, mass killings and a general state of humiliations at the hand of cultures that considered us foreigners. today we have that state, very small, with a significant sulture of both arts and sciences, and a army whose obligation it is to protect Jews. No one will do it or to be expected to provide our security. and in closing do you have a big problem with the flags of Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, England, Scotland, Sweden, Croatia, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. All thses flags bear religous symbolism from the red cross (Christian) to text from the Koran (Saudi Arabia). We have one state no other, atleast let's try and hold onto that.

The Star of David and the Menora must remain the symbols of the Jewish state for ever Israel is a Jewish state and in the good old Jewish tradition it must treat its minorities with consideration and respect and give them equal rights as citizens like all other civilzed countries but it doesn't need and must not deny its Jewish character in any way shape of form.Symbols are important

The Star of David on the Israeli flag is what the 50 Stars and 13 red and white Stripes are to the American flag. The only time anything has been added to the American flag is when a new state has entered the Union - since there is a sizable Mexican community in the United States, a large African-American community as well as many Native American tribes residing within the country, does this necessitate the adjustment of the U.S. flag to their concerns? Does a Mexican illegal immigrant identify with the meaning behind the 13 colored stripes, representing the original 13 colonies? No! The idea that Israel must accomodate it's Arab minority by adding something to it's flag is preposterous - Israel is the only Jewish state in existence, and the Star of David is a well-recognized Jewish symbol. The two-state solution will result in there being a Jewish state and an Arab state in the Land of Israel, and if those in the Arab minority are tired of being a minority I'm sure arrangements could be made for them to easily immigrate to a future state of Palestine. The need to treat minority groups in Israel as equal citizens does not equal a need to "edit" the flag to be more in line with their tastes. Arabs in Israel are stuck in the situation of being a minority group in a Jewish-majority Middle Eastern country when in the rest of the Middle East they would be the majority. Whether the Israeli flag began as the flag of the Zionist movement or not, if the Palestinians see themselves as having the right to their own unique flag and state why doesn't the same right apply to Israel? Why should Israel de-Judaize it's flag or national anthem just so those who call themselves "Palestinians holding Israeli citizenship" will be more comfortable? Would they be willing, in a Palestinian state, to add Jewish symbols to their flag? Highly doubtful, considering they would rather no Jews live in what will eventually be a Palestinian Arab-majority state at all. Is more tolerance needed in Israel regarding Arabs? Yes. Must unlawful discrimination of minority groups in Israel end? Absolutely. Must those living in the minority accept and adjust to their minority status without demanding that the state's Jewish majority adjust it's symbols for them? Without a doubt. They should seek to form a uniquely Israeli form of Arab identity and not try and get by with saying they're Palestinian. They should allow Arab nationalism to take a backseat to their religious identities and thus forge a uniquely Israeli version of Christianity and Islam, devoid of Arab nationalism. Seeing as how Judaism, Christianity and Islam have many differences between them but all worship the same God, such a project would do much more for minorities in Israel and to bring the various ethnicities and religious groupings of this country together. Israel can and should be a democratic, free Jewish state and still be a state where ALL citizens are treated equally under the law. Creating such a society is a much better - and less insane - solution than changing the flag.

The new flag of Israel should remain a field of white with the blue stripes at top and bottom. In the center of the flag should be a green olive tree.

some of the self-defined elite in the state have more time then sense.

such thinking is a form of moral corruption.

mr rabinowitz is scraping the bottom of the barrel.

I have always believed in the separation of church and state until now. If Israel can have a Jewish state and Jewish flag how would the Jews in this country feel if we in the United States would change the American flag to reflect the majority of our christian heritage? We could replace the stars on the flag with Christian crosses. Christianity is the overwhelming religion of this country and we too could reflect this with a racist flag. And how about Christian only neighborhoods just like the Jews are doing? We could have Christian only roads abound Jewish neighborhoods. Sound familiar? Racist, Apartide?

such a question is offensive to your readers. mr rabinowitz has a lot of time on his hands.

If you change the flag you must then change the name of the country to what Israstine? The country is Israel. It's purpose to exist is as a homeland for jews on their ancient ,traditional land. The Star of david is an sncient symbol which in fact has it's roots in a secular past. Have you lost your minds? Are you that cowed by the vast Muslim hordes that you would Apppease yourselves intoan identity crisis? Getta grip.

What a question to ask now..people are being evacuated from their homes,the whole area is on pins and needles about the next move..all Israel has to worry about is the Star of David on its Flag? And ok do the Palestinian symbols on it,Russian too,and yes the Brooklyn Bridge too,actually the Flag is too small...lets make it bigger but lets get the perspective right..No No No there are TOO MANY OLIVES on it....take some off...No put more on....OFF...ON.....OFF..ON..OFF!!! C'mon Danny Boy lets find something more creative to do than this....

The Brits have conquered the Irish, the Welsh and the Scotts. We didn't subdue anyone and fought (hard) to defend Jewish lives and values all these years. Live Israel's flag the way it is: simple, beautiful, dearly and daringly loquacious.

Let me propose this: that along with the three crosses on the Union Jack that a Muslim crescent be added so that Britain's substantial Muslim minority can more fully "identify with the values and messages with which the state has imbued its symbols and ceremonies." What's good for the goose (Israel) should be good for the gander (Britain).

Should European countries remove the crosses from their flags? Or Muslim countries remove the crescents off of their flags? Should communist countries remove the hammer and sickle? Should the USA replace the white on its flags because it could be interpreted as racist by African-Americans? This is a really silly proposition. Only Jews can be pushed and goaded by Arab fabrications and Arab psychological warfare and the ever-present international pressure to even entertain such self-annihilating thoughts. If this continues, Jews will not exist in the Middle East after Arabs have exterminated every last one thanks to Jewish self-hatred. Every country has minorities. Israeli Arab Christians and Muslims have freedom, rights and unfettered access to Israeli court system, their religious institutions and are free and fortunate to live in a democracy. The "nakba" is a post-1967 retroactive fabrication. Although no democracy is even close to perfect, the premise of such is that it is an organic enterprise that should evolve, grow and remove all barriers of discrimation by giving all citizens equality. Israel is light years ahead of Arab nations in that regard, who still have swords on their flags reflecting their cultural heritage, and on par or qualitatively better than European legislation on these issues. This discussion is really silly

The Six-pointed star was known to the ancient Chaldæan Kabalists - the masters and inspirers of the Jewish Kabalah. Hermetic philosophers and priests of ancient Egypt, of whom Moses was one, understood the esoteric meaning from the Chaldeans. It is found in many ancient temples in India, along with other symbols. So the six pointed star is not a modern day invention, nor is it an exclusive symbol. Its esoteric meaning is to do with creation and "partnership" between spirit and matter. Sadly its message is largely not known. Had its message been understood by those who decided to add it to the flag, and had the message been put into practice, perhaps true peace, brotherhood and understanding, could have flourished within and with our neighbours. Is it too late we might now ask?

Surely, such stupidity could only appear in Haaretz.

So if according to Mr Rabinowitz Israel should also celebrate "Nakba day" (a mere palestinian propaganda tool) why don't we also propose a "final solution day" you know, something that celebrates Hitler's decision to exterminate the Jews. Because in the end that's what arabs want: to destroy the Jews (there's countless evidence of this). Mr Raninowitz proposal to celebrate "nakba"is downright grotesque and antisemitic. apparently self hating jews are abundant in Israel.

If changing the symbols of the state will help Israeli Arabs identify more with the state, I think it is something that should be done. Jews and Muslims should be working together, not against each other. Zionism could still have a role in a non-Jewish Israel. There will always be that urge to "make the desert bloom" and to make Israel a great Jewish cultural center (which it already is). Like it or not, Israeli Muslims will be a bigger fraction of the Israeli population in 25 years. That reality has to be addressed.

Israel should stop apologizing for its existence as a Jewish state.

What a waste of space. The quality of the opinion topics has fallen through the basement. This handwringing over the symbols of the nation are an exercise in navel gazing. I don't read the British, Australian, or Swiss papers asking whether or not they should continue to have a cross (three for the Brits) on their flag. I don't hear any questions arising from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, or any of the other Muslim dominated nations questioning the use of Islamic symbols. There is no reason for a Jewish state to feel ashamed that to distinguish its nature.

The Citizen Day proposal is an excellent idea, Israel needs to build a bridge between the Jewish and Arab citizens. Making the Land Day a holiday is a stretch that I did not find suprising coming out of a cross-eyed newspaper such as this. But the Nakba? Inducting it into the Israeli calender would mean that all of those brave Israeli citizens who fought and died for independance and in all the subsequent wars because the Arabs could not get over the Nakba so they attacked us more than once and lost, would be celebrated by the Arabs. By the Arabs that are also citizens of Israel, mind you. Do you see the contradiction?!!! Two people of one state celebrating an independance and a catastrophe on the same national calender. Nothing sounds more stupid and idiotic as this. The flag is a different issue. I think that we should put the crescent there some time.

Did the United States change their flag and song to include spanish symbols? Does the american star spangled banner have anything to do wiht the large majority of people who were not there fighting in 1776???? Are they changing it??? These things do not change...they symbolize what it was like when they first became a state, and that is how it MUST remain.

If the Greek , British Danish sweedish norwegian Finlandish flags can have the cross without being considered exclusionary to Jews and Muslim living there, and if Turkish Jews victims of the synagoge bombing can be buried in coffins draped in the Turkish flag complete with Crescent without that contradicting human rights then Israel the only state with a Jewish majority in the world should bear the symbol of the majority of that state. Ifothers can be citizens of states that dont have 20 symbols on them why cant Israels Arabs do the same. How does the large muslim minority in Greece feel when they see the cross on their countries flag? No one is calling Greece a contradiction between democracy and a Greek state! Of course Greece is a Greek state.

If Israel is a Jewish state - which it is - then there is no room for any other symbol on the flag. There are many countries with large ethnic minorities who are not represented on their country's national flag and who are quite comfortable living within that reality.