Say ‘yes’ to our anthem
Op-ed: Just like Americans, Israelis should have to play national anthem at any ceremony
An American child knows that the local soccer game will not start before he stands up, places his right hand on his chest, and sings The Star-Spangled Banner.
That’s how it is in America. Education that promotes patriotism starts in the diaper phase. It doesn’t mean that such baby will necessarily grow up to be a daring soldier who charges forward and defends the homeland with his body, yet the national anthem runs through his veins and is an inseparable part of his identity as an American and as a person.
Around here things are different, because we’re so wise and enlightened. We remove our blue-and-white Israeli flags from the attic only after Passover, and when we hang them on our balconies we apologize to our neighbors that they look like a warmongering red rag.
Every year, on the eve of Independence Day, we also see the traditional poll held among students (and their teachers!) – The results are known in advance and show that respondents are clueless about the meaning of our anthem’s words.
The fact that we dare play our national anthem, HaTikva, only on the most prominent official events, such as Memorial Day and Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies, was received with certain forgiveness in the past. We explained that we have not yet come together as a people, that it’s a process that takes time, and that good things are in store: One of these days we shall no longer be ashamed of ourselves and proudly declare that “we’re Israeli.”
Zionism treated like disease
Yet today we can and should admit that we were wrong. Our self-righteousness and concern for “certain population groups” have turned us into indifferent ignoramuses who treat Zionism like a disease that is better repressed – just like nobody tells his friend that he contracted gonorrhea. One only mentions it when he needs to fill out a medical document that will grant him a tax exemption.
On regular days, why should one declare that he’s a Zionist? Is it some kind of honor? Do people who identify themselves as such receive some bonus or discount?
If only Israel’s national anthem was sang with love and pride, with a sense of privilege and duty, at any ceremony or rally, at any school, kindergarten and YMCA. If only those who refuse to sing were asked to stand up and step aside. If only we saw an Israeli identification card only issued to those who sing the anthem without screwing up the words (singing out of tune will not draw a fine).
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