Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah (“The Hope”), is a perfect example of the early Zionist movement’s creative drive and haphazard, experimental character. It also exemplifies the elusiveness of the symbols of modern nation-states. The lecture will trace the history of the poem, its various iterations, and the music that was shaped to fit the poem. The political uses of Hatikvah in various contexts, from soccer games to Holocaust memorials, will also be addressed. ​

This event is free and open to the public!