Israel: Muslim Arab MK refuses to sing Israeli national anthem  

There is a justifiable uproar in the Knesset over this. Zoabi’s loyalties are questionable, as are those of many other Arab Members of the Knesset.

Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi defended her position by saying that “she does not know the anthem by heart.” She did not think it important enough in her role to learn it. She did state, however, what is important to her:

“that the appointment – the highest ever for an Arab woman in Israel – is very meaningful to Arab society.”

She also asserted…

“I am sure that Lapid appointed me because of my diplomatic and personal abilities.”

It is highly likely that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, who aims to obliterate the state of Israel from the River to the Sea, also sees himself as having “diplomatic and personal abilities,” but loyalty to the state of Israel, which Zoabi is supposedly dedicated to serving, is another question.

Zoabi highlights the fact that there are other Arab MK’s with divided loyalties, but who may not be willing to make the open statement that she has made about it.

These are the lyrics of the Israeli national anthem, Hatikva:

As long as in the heart within,
The Jewish soul yearns,
And toward the eastern edges, onward,
An eye gazes toward Zion.

Our hope is not yet lost,
The hope that is two-thousand years old,
To be a free nation in our land,
The Land of Zion, Jerusalem.

It is a declaration that anyone could state in agreement with Jews and the state of Israel. But:

“The phrase ‘Jewish soul’” – which appears in the anthem – “excludes me,” Zoabi said.

“Uproar over appointment of Meretz MK who ‘doesn’t sing Hatikva’ as Shanghai consul,” by Lahav Harkov, Jerusalem Post, February 23, 2022:

Meretz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi said she is alienated by Israel’s national anthem, the day after Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced her appointment as Israel’s consul-general to Shanghai, sparking an uproar in the coalition and opposition.

“It is unthinkable that someone with non-Zionist positions as hers are will be the face of Israel in an important country,” Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel said in a meeting on Tuesday, soon after Zoabi’s appointment was announced, Channel 12 reported.

The next morning, Zoabi was asked in an interview on KAN News if she recognizes Israel as the Jewish state.

“Israel is a democratic country and I want it to be more democratic,” Zoabi responded. “I mostly want it to be more equal. I entered the Knesset mostly in order to promote equality.

Zoabi pointed out that, like all lawmakers, she pledged loyalty to the state upon becoming an MK.

When asked if she would sing ‘Hatikvah,’ she said that she does not know the anthem by heart.

“The phrase ‘Jewish soul’” – which appears in the anthem – “excludes me,” Zoabi said….

Likud MK Ofir Akunis called Zoabi’s appointment “political corruption” and “the death rattle of a government coming to an end.”….