The Menorah Project

By Media Network Intelligence on April 25, 2019 • ( Leave a comment )

THE MENORAH PROJECT – a sign of reconciliation between Germany and Israel

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, a group of Germans have created a life-sized replica of a Menorah. This seven-branched candlestick will be delivered by a delegation from Rome to Jerusalem in order to donate it to the Jewish People. This gesture of goodwill is a sign of atonement. It will show solidarity with all Jews living in Israel.

Luca-Elias Hezel, Initiator of this project, explains: “This symbol perhaps speaks louder and means more than many words.” The Israeli State Coat of Arms shows a Menorah, entwined by two olive branches (symbolizing peace) as well as the Hebrew inscription for Israel.

By end of April 2019 this group will send the replica of the Menorah on a symbolic journey from Rome to Jerusalem. According to the historian Josephus Flavius who saw and described it, the last journey of the candlestick was when it was brought in a triumphal parade from Jerusalem to Rome after the devastation of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70. This ancient Menorah wasn’t the first Menorah of the Jewish Holy Temple. It was first created after the triumphant revolt of Judas Maccabeus. The Jewish revolutionary restored the Temple with new sacred altar equipment, replacing the former which had previously been stolen by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Historically the Roman triumphal parade is documented on the so called Arch of Titus in Rome. On this arch can be seen Jewish Slaves as well some parts of the sacred temple equipment.

Joining Israeli Partners this donated Menorah will be brought to Jerusalem during the celebration of the Jewish Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut 9th May 2019 – Yom Chamishi 4 Nissan 5779 / Ijar 5779.

The gift will be received by Jews at a ceremony in Jerusalem.