Ani Ma’amin (I Believe), a song about the Jewish belief in the coming of the Messiah, is often sung as part of Orthodox services on Yom Ha’atzmaut. The line comes from a prosaic rendition of Maimonides‘ thirteen-point version of the Jewish principles of faith. Despite the religious significance attributed to the State of Israel by many in the religious Zionist community, there is a strong belief that the return of the Jews to their ancestral homeland and the establishment of the state is only the beginning of the redemptive process. Including this song in Yom Ha’atzmaut ceremonies implies that the ultimate Messianic era has not yet arrived. This verse has been put to many melodies and is sung at different types of ceremonies, both joyous and somber, including Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies and weddings.
אני מאמין
אני מאמין באמונה שלמה
בביאת המשיח.
ואף על פי שיתמהמה,
עם כל זה אחכה לו
בכל יום שיבוא
Ani Maamin
Ani maamin beemuna shlemah
B’viat hamashiach
V’af al pi sheyitmameha
Im kol zeh achake lo
B’chol yom sheyavo
I Believe
I believe with a complete belief
In the coming of the Messiah
And even though he may tarry
I will wait for him, whenever he comes