Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook inaugurated the establishment of a movement to be known as Degel Yerushalayim [The Banner of Jerusalem], whose purpose was:

"to exalt the whole ferment of the nation's rebirth and the rebuilding of the Land from the lowliness of the mundane to the exaltedness of the holy? and to infuse a positive living spirit of valor and holiness throughout the whole network of enterprises that are developing in our midst. The goal will be the rebuilding of the Land and the rebirth of the nation in such a way that all energies expended towards its consolidation will be performed in a true Jewish spirit? so that we establish our lives as 'a holy people on holy soil.' That has always been the theme and banner of our nation? By such means, our land will be the source of Torah and salvation and blessing and holiness to Israel and to the whole world, as it says, 'For out of Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of G-d from Jerusalem." (Igrot HaRav Kook, Part 3, page 180)

It is true that Rabbi Kook did not succeed in actualizing his initiative during his lifetime. Yet, it is well known that good thoughts do not go to waste; all the more so the thoughts and aspirations of Rabbi Kook, all of which were founded on holiness.

The call of the hour is to actualize the vision of Rabbi Kook ? to establish a "Banner of Jerusalem" with the goal of "exalting the rebuilding of the Land from the lowliness of the mundane to the exaltedness of the holy." This is especially important in these times, when the State of Israel seems like a ship with no wind in its sails. Its captain leaves the impression that he is not directing it to any destination, politically, socially or Jewishly.

There is thus an urgent need to replace the captain and his crew by establishing a leadership that will infuse a fresh, new spirit in the sails of the ship of state. It should be a leadership that exalts the stature of the State of Israel. It should make clear to us and to the entire world just what the Jewish People is and why it has risen to rebirth in its land; what it is fighting for; what is unique about us; what is our destiny in world history and how we are to fulfill it. As the Prophet Isaiah said: "He that gives breath to the people upon the earth and spirit to them that walk therein.... I the L-rd have set you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the nations" (Isaiah 42:5-6).