We're smack dab in the middle of Passover, kids- so break out the Manischewitz and matzoh balls and get ready to celebrate because this week, it's Israel!
Adopted on October 28th, 1948 for national usage, the flag was actually designed fifty years earlier in 1891 by David Wolfsohn for the burgeoning Zionist movement. The central emblem of the flag is the Star of David (Magen David) which has a long historical association with the Jewish people while the blue and white colors are said to be derived from the colors of the Jewish prayer shawl (tallith).
Interestingly, the blue on the flag is described as Yale blue-- and it's a lighter shade of blue than what's used on other Israeli flags. (The merchant and naval ensigns use a darker shade of blue, I guess...)
Controversial since its inception, Israel didn't have permanent borders until 1979- only ceasefire lines and yes, before anyone asks I do have a Palestinian flag kicking around here somewhere so they'll get their week in vexillology at some point as well. (Don't want people accusing me of bias or anything...) But in the meantime, put your hands together for Israel!
And until next time, keep your flags flying- FREAK or otherwise!
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