The coat of arms of Israel shows a menorah surrounded by an olive branch on each side, and the writing "ישראל" - Hebrew for Israel below.

The image is based on Zachariah (chapter 4); "I looked and behold a golden menorah with a bowl upon the top of it and seven lamps to it…and there are two olive trees by it, one upon the right of the bowl the other upon the left"

The menorah has been a symbol of Judaism for almost 3000 years. It was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. The menorah depicted here is according to the carving on the Arch of Titus.

It is used on the covers of Israeli passports.

The olive branches symbolize peace.

The State of Israel adopted its coat of arms after a design competition held in 1948. The winning design was submitted by Willie W. Wind (1913-1995). (Source: Willie Wind web site)

Government of Israel | Israel | National coats of arms

Wappen Israels | Escudo de Israel | Armoiries d'Israël | 이스라엘의 문장 | Izraelio herbas | סמל מדינת ישראל | Godło Izraela | סימבאל פון ישראל