Author Prefers Israeli Flag Over Messianic or Temple Symbols

The author observes a growing trend of people flying "Messiah flags" and "Temple flags" in place of the Israeli national flag. He contrasts this with the "flag with a hole," a symbol of Hungarian national freedom born from the 1956 uprising against Soviet rule. While acknowledging the importance of the Temple and the belief in the Messiah, the author argues against their elevation to replace the state's flag, particularly when they imply that the land of Israel is holier than the state of Israel itself.

He suggests that the Temple flag can convey a message that a state is unnecessary when the land is holy, potentially undermining the need for a military, foreign policy, or governmental institutions like elections and courts. Similarly, the "Messiah flag" represents an utopian kingdom of the Messiah, which the author feels is being prioritized over the current state. He notes that while belief in the Messiah is a core tenet of Judaism, it is listed last among Maimonides' 13 principles of faith, suggesting it shouldn't be the central focus of Jewish life or faith.

The author cites poet Rachel the Poet's words, "I do not want a message of redemption if it comes from a leper," to illustrate a desire for a pure, ideal redemption that might reject the current, imperfect state. He contrasts these alternative flags with the flag of the Torah, which he believes aligns well with the national flag, as the Torah acknowledges the journey and imperfections of the people. Ultimately, the author reaffirms his loyalty to the blue and white flag of the State of Israel, the flag under which soldiers fought, despite his personal reverence for the Temple and the Messiah.