One of the proposed symbols
One of the proposed symbolsKnesset website

At least 13,000 people have signed a petition against changing the design of the symbol of the Knesset. The changes are being pushed by Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein and several other MKs.

Leading the campaign against the changes is David Sela, chairman of the Society for the Preservation of Israeli Heritage Sites. Speaking to Arutz Sheva, Sela said that the Knesset symbol was chosen back in 1949 by a plebiscite. “Now, in order to 'modernize' it for for other reasons, there are people who want to change it,” he said.

Five symbols to replace the current one were chosen as the leading candidates. Edelstein plans to put them up for a vote on the Knesset web site. Sela said that this would be a bad idea, as it would “damage one of the few thing in this country on which there is a consensus.”

Over 13,000 people have signed a petition against the changes, including hundreds of well-known public figures. Many people did not just sign, he said, but also added comments expressing their distaste for the proposed changes. Some, in fact, have accused Edelstein of various things which, Sela said, “you would probably not want to share with the audience.”

In 1949, Sela added, a law was instituted to punish anyone who desecrates the symbol of the state (the Menorah and olive branch design). Such a law should apply to the Knesset logo as well, he said.