The Israeli national anthem, Hatikva, has been attributed to Naftali Herz Imber, but
the Hatikva that is sung today has little resemblance to the original poem written in
1878 and published in 1886. The poem was first published under the title of "Tikvatenu (Our Hope)" in
Imber's journal Barkai.
The inspiration of the poem is said to have been the founding of the city of Petach
Tikvah (Gateway of Hope) in Israel. The themes of the poem were possibly influenced by Polish patriot
songs. The Polish song, "Poland is not yet lost, while we still live," became the Polish national anthem with
the birth of the republic between the two World Wars.
The original nine-verse poem "Tikvatenu"
Chorus
O then our Hope - it is not dead
Our ancient Hope and true
Again the sacred soil to tread
Where David's banner flew.
O While the tears flow down apace,
And fall like bounteous rain,
And to the fathers' resting place,
Sweeps on the mournful train,
Chorus...
And while upon our eager eye,
Flashes the City's wall.
And for the wasted Sanctuary,
The teardrops trembling fall,
Chorus...
O while the Jordan's pent-up tide,
Leaps downward rapidly,
And while its gleaming waters glide,
Through Galilee's blue sea,
Chorus...
And while upon the Highway there
Lowers the stricken Gate,
And from the ruins of Zion's prayer
Upriseth passionate,
Chorus...
O while the pure floods of her eyes
Flow for her People's plight,
And Zion's Daughter doth arise
And weep the long, long night,
Chorus...
O while through vein in ceaseless stream
The bright blood pulses yet,
And on our fathers' tomb doth gleam
The dew when sun is set,
Chorus...
Hear Brothers, mine, where e're ye be,
This Truth by Prophet won:
"Tis then our Hope shall cease to be
With Israel's last son!"