Released in 2004, amidst the Second Intifada, this hip-hop song expresses some of the seemingly eternal aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, including the senseless violence, the hope for peace, and the frustration and desperation of regular people who just want a normal life. This song was written by Hadag Nachash, a Jerusalem-based hip-hop/funk band whose songs contain many messages about Israeli politics and society, promoting equality and civil rights, and speaking out against corruption, war and racism. The full Hebrew lyrics can be seen here, while an English translation of relevant excerpts is provided below.
Bereishit (Genesis)
In Palestine the Land of Israel
at the beginning of the century
several tribes lived on the same land
they differed from each other in religion and language
they accused each other of causing all the trouble
they suspected each other and argued over borders
they cried many tears in a sea of victims
they learned nothing, nothing changed
In Palestine the Land of Israel
at the beginning of the century
it seemed that at any moment it would happen
and in seconds it was changing a door of unlimited possibilities
opened an atmosphere of hope and renewal
replaced desperation, for a short time
In Palestine the Land of Israel
at the beginning of the century
a man steps out of his house into his yard
sits under his fig tree
and thinks to himself how he loves his wife
how his eldest son reminds him of himself
how he’s sick of complaining all day
and how much he wants everything to work out