In our Garden (Hebrew: אצלנו בחצר, Etzlenu Behatzer) is a famous Israeli song written and composed by Naomi Shemer.
The song is about caring for those who are different, knowing the different cultures and languages, learning about the other, and the longing for Peace.
The song tells about a fictional garden where children from all over the world appear and play together. Each one says "hello" in his own language. In the Hebrew language, "Hello" also means "Peace". As the lyrics say "Everyone who comes to our home has his own way to greet another".
"Hello" is said in the following different languages: Hebrew, Italian, French, Arabic, English, Chinese, Greek, Portuguese, Swahili, Hawaiian and Japanese.
Namoi Shemer was also famous for her knowledge of the Bible. The idea depicted in the song echos the prophets calling for Israel to open its gates to the world as part of World peace. The songs draws from Isaiah 26:2 "פיתחו שערים ויבוא גוי צדיק שומר אמונים", "Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation that keepeth faithfulness may enter in".
Part of the Song :
אצלנו בחצר
בצל אילן פורח
ילדי כל העולם
באים להתארח
אצלנו בחצר
ילדי העולם כולו
רוקדים במעגל
ואומרים שלום
In our garden In the shade of a flourishing tree The children of the world Are coming to be hosted In our garden The children of the whole world Are dancing in a circle And saying "Hello" !