Iakov, struggling with an angel, Gjustav Dore, 1855, Granger Collection, New York Iakov struggling with an angel, Gjustav Dore, 1855, Granger Collection, New York Throughout last three millenia the word “Israel” designated as the Earth of Israel, and all Jewish people. As a source of this name the Genesis where patriarch Iakov after struggle against an angel of God receives a name Israel serves:” Also (angel) has told: how your name? He has told:Iakov. Also has told to: henceforth the name to you will be not Iakov, and Israel for you struggled good luck, and я┤п╣п╩п╬п╡п╣п╨п╬п╡ will overcome ” Interpreters disperse in definition of value of this word.
Under one version, this name occurs from a verb я│п╟я─п╟ (to operate, be strong to have the power given from above), thus forming a word meaning ” Having the power over forces “. Other possible values Б─■” the Prince Divine “or” Ale Struggle/battle “. Subsequently, the Jewish people which have occurred from Iakova, began to be called ” Children of Israel “,” the People of Israel “or” Israelis “.
Modern state has been named by “Medinat Israel” Б─■ the State of Israel. Were considered as well other names: Erets Israel (the Earth of Israel), Zion, Judea Б─■ however have been rejected. In the first weeks of independence the government of the new state for a designation of citizens of the country has chosen a word “Israelis”. For the first time it has been mentioned officially in performance of first Minister for Foreign Affairs Moshe Shareta.