Emblem of Israel

Emblem of the State of Israel
Details
Armiger	State of Israel
Adopted	February 10, 1949
Escutcheon	Azure, a Menorah Argent between two olive branches of the same; in base the legend "ישראל" (Israel) Argent.
Motto	ישראל
Use	on passports and official documents; on the presidential standard; on official and public buildings

The Emblem of the State of Israel (Hebrew: סמל מדינת ישראל) shows a menorah surrounded by an olive branch on each side, and the writing "ישראל" (Hebrew for Israel) below it. Most commonly light blue and white, the coat of arms does appear in different colour combinations depending on the use (see below).

History

The image used on the emblem is based on a depiction of the menorah on the Arch of Titus.

The State of Israel adopted the symbol after a design competition held in 1948. The design is based on the winning entry submitted by Gabriel and Maxim Shamir's proposal, with elements taken from other submissions, such as Oteh Walisch and W. Struski's and Itamar David and Yerachmiel Schechter's entries.

Symbolism

The image used on the emblem is based on a depiction of the menorah on the Arch of Titus. The menorah was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem and has been a symbol of Judaism since ancient times. It symbolizes universal enlightenment.

The olive branches symbolize peace.

Versions

• 

  Used by Government Portal websites

• 

  Used on the Website of the Prime Minister

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  Used on the website of the Knesset

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  Used on the website of the Supreme Court (English)

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  Used on the website of the Supreme Court (Hebrew)

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  Emblem and Standard of the President of Israel

• 

  The Seal of Mossad uses the Menorah from the Emblem

See also

• National symbols of Israel

References

• Alec Mishory (2003-04-28). "The Flag and the Emblem". Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Modern%20History/Israel%20at%2050/The%20Flag%20and%20the%20Emblem. Retrieved 2007-04-01. 

External links

Media related to Emblem of Israel at Wikimedia Commons