With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 the Star of David on the Flag of Israel has also become a symbol of Israel. The Star of David is the symbol most recognized with Judaism. It was used in land of Israel in Roman times, but it seems to have become associated with Judaism in particular only in later centuries. In the 17th century It became a popular practice to put Star of David on the outside of synagogues, to identify them as Jewish houses of worship; however, it is not clear why this symbol was selected for this. Today the Star of David is a universally recognized symbol of Jews. It appears on the flag of the state of Israel, and the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross is known as "the Magen David Adom". Indeed, one of the most common symbols in Jewish jewelry is the Star of David, equivalent to wearing a cross by Christians
