The Arch of Titus in Rome was erected in 82 CE to celebrate Roman Emperor Titus' victory over the Jews in Judea, including the siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE. The captive Jews are shown carrying sacred Temple vessels, including the golden menorah, away from Jerusalem to Rome.
In the 16th century Pope Paul IV forced Rome's Jews to recite an annual oath of submission to Christendom while standing under the arch. For centuries thereafter, Jews refused to walk underneath the arch.
When the State of Israel declared independence in 1948, the Roman Jewish community gathered at the arch and marched through it, but in the opposite direction – toward Jerusalem.
That same year, Israeli graphic designers Gabriel and Maxim Shamir took the image of the menorah from the Arch of Titus and made it the centerpiece of their submission in a national competition to design the official emblem of the new state. It was adopted by the Knesset in 1949.
The holiday of #Chanukah, together with all of Jewish, Roman, Christian, and Western history, testifies to the historic, continuing, eternal connection of the Jewish People and Jerusalem!
PS - It’s likely the gold Temple Menorah was melted down by the Romans centuries ago. But some people think it’s hidden deep in the Vatican basement... and we want it back! 
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
