In the Holy Bible, the name ‘Israel’ does not merely refer to a historical people, but takes on a deeper, spiritual meaning: it represents the human journey before God, the inner struggle, and the quest for justice, truth and redemption. This sacred name belongs to the biblical and spiritual tradition of humanity; it represents the human journey before God, the inner struggle, the search for justice, truth and redemption.

Israel, a term with deep roots in the scriptures and in the spirituality of millions of people, is today all too often associated with policies of violence and war. This association casts a grave shadow over a name that for many represents an ideal of peace and righteousness, a symbol of hope and divine aspiration. Out of respect for its spiritual heritage and to honour its original meaning, it is our wish that this term be preserved to represent the positive and spiritual values it has always embodied.

We call for a change in the name of the state currently known as Israel. We propose that an alternative name be chosen for the country, so as to rebuild an image and an identity that are not burdened by the history of contemporary conflicts. In this way, the name ‘Israel’ may remain synonymous with spiritual growth and righteousness, free from warlike connotations.

It is deeply problematic that a name imbued with religious, moral and universal significance should today be associated with a state and a government accused of grave human rights violations, destruction, occupation and violence against the Palestinian people.

The name ‘Israel’, in its biblical sense, cannot be reduced to a tool of political legitimisation. It cannot be used to confuse faith and power, spirituality and the military apparatus, biblical promise and territorial domination.

We therefore call on religious, cultural and international institutions to open a serious debate on the need to distinguish the sacred and universal meaning of the name “Israel” from the current political reality of the state that uses it.

This petition is not directed against a people, a religion or a community. It is a call for moral, historical and spiritual clarity. The name “Israel” belongs to humanity’s biblical memory and should not be identified with the actions of a government responsible for suffering, oppression and death.

We call for this distinction to be recognised and for an international discussion to be opened on the advisability of changing the name of the State, so that the biblical name “Israel” is no longer associated with policies of violence, war and destruction.

Restoring the spiritual meaning of the name “Israel” means defending truth, justice and the dignity of peoples.