Haaretz Editor Unsure If Proposal To Change Anthem To Horst-Wessel-Lied Sardonic Or Sincere

“The only way to prevent Bibi and company from imposing fascism is to overthrow his junta and impose the right – which is to say left – kind of fascism.”

Tel Aviv, July 18 – An editorial staff member at Israel’s most venerable daily has encountered difficulty in determining whether an opinion piece submitted to the paper, calling for Israel’s national anthem “Hatikvah” to be replaced by the official song of Nazi Germany, reflects the writer’s frustration with what many on the political left consider fascist elements in the actions and ideology of the current government, or perhaps intends every word in earnest. Either way, however, the paper will print the letter.

Op-ed page assistant editor Yosef Gevels consulted his colleagues today upon receiving a letter from a Tel Aviv University professor urging the change from the current anthem, “The Hope,” to the Horst Wessel song, written in 1929 by a member of the SA, the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party. Gevels admitted feeling unsure as to the tone of the letter, as he sees compelling reasons both in favor of taking the letter at face value and reading it as a satirical statement about the Netanyahu government.

“The truth is I’m happy to publish it in either case,” explained Gevels. “In many cases satire runs the risk of causing misunderstanding, but in this case it works both as biting commentary and earnest aspiration, so it’s win-win.”

Other editorial staff seconded Gevels’s assessment. “The only way to prevent Bibi and company from imposing fascism is to overthrow his junta and impose the right – which is to say left – kind of fascism,” observed Editor-in-Chief Aluf Benn. “So I’m comfortable with this opinion piece no matter which way it’s taken. Personally, I have a soft spot for taking people at their word, and the possibility that the writer intends the proposal in earnest also appeals to my political sensibilities.”

One editor was shouted down after she suggested contacting the writer to ascertain his intent. “I thought we, as journalists, should go to the source,” recalled assistant managing editor Hava Braun. “But my colleagues felt, vehemently, that the intentions of a writer don’t matter – it’s only the narrative in the reader’s mind that matters. I understand the argument, but the fact that I, a woman, faced criticism of my point of view makes me wonder about the political health of this organization and the values it claims to uphold. Also, I’m on the political left, and I have clear awareness that we leftists are in the minority in this country, which means that I’m also facing political repression here, which creates a hostile work environment.”

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