Israel’s English Version

The following comes directly from songwriter and Emmy nominee Molly-Ann Leikin, who informs us that she has written the official English lyric to Hatikvah, the Israeli National Anthem.

The melody was adapted by composer Bedrich Smetana from a Lithuanian Folk song. In 1886, a transliteration was written by poet Naftali Herz Imber, but it was only a poem, never a lyric.

Although the state of Israel was created in 1948, it didn’t have an official national anthem until 2004. Before then, Hatikvah was only sung in Hebrew. By far, the most moving recording in that language is the one Barbra Streisand sang to Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. Other artists who’ve performed the song include everyone from Al Jolson to Guns n’ Roses. 

Now, with Molly’s lyric, Hatikvah is sung all over the English-speaking world during Shabbat services by cantors and their choirs. Cantor Mark Childs from Congregation B’Nai Brith in Santa Barbara will perform the song on Friday evening, July 19. 

Here are the words:

Hope (Hatikvah) 
Israeli National Anthem 
Official English lyric by Molly-Ann Leikin
Music by Bedrich Smetana

As our souls are singing we-e can see
The hope of Israel shine in you and me
Stan-an ding together now as one 
Free in Jerusalem we’re smiling in the sun. 

CHORUS:
Feel the hope that’s rising everywhere
Feel our song become an answered prayer
For our sisters and brothers as we stand with all of them
In our homeland Jerusalem

Modulation:
As our souls are singing we can see
The hope of Israel shine in you and me
And after two thousand years alone
Here in Jerusalem we are finally home

CHORUS: 
Feel the hope that’s rising everywhere
Feel our song become an answered prayer
For our sisters and brothers as we stand with all of them
In our homeland Jerusalem

TAG: 
For our sisters and brothers as we stand with all of them
In our homeland Jerusalem.