Yoav and the teens dive into the story of HaTikvah, Israel’s national anthem, through a playful competition reenacting its journey to becoming a symbol of hope. As Herzl, Golda, and other icons from Israel's history come to life, the group uncovers the anthem’s power to unite a nation and the challenges of representing a diverse society. By the end, they realize that while the lyrics don’t speak for everyone, the song as a symbol of hope unites even the most diverse voices.
Big Ideas
- The theme of hope, as embodied in HaTikvah, can inspire people to overcome challenges and work toward a better future.
- Symbols like anthems can powerfully express a nation's values and history, but may not resonate equally with all citizens.
- Countries often face challenges in creating symbols that represent all their citizens while maintaining their founding principles.
Essential Questions
- How can a song represent the hopes and dreams of an entire nation?
- How can we balance pride in our own identity with respect for others who may feel differently?
- What should we do when important symbols, like national anthems, don't represent everyone equally?