Tisha B’Av. It may sound exotic to many, but for Jews worldwide, it resonates as a day of mourning. Some even consider it the “saddest day” in Jewish history. It marks the annihilation of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, edifices that once stood for a combined millennium, only to be razed in 586 BC and 70 AD. The chilling echo of this date resonates in more recent history: the Nazis began their genocide against Jews on this very day.
For those observing, it’s a day of fasting — no food or drink for 25 hours, an especially challenging task under the sweltering 95°F sun. But as I gaze out from my home in modern-day Israel, I see a nation in the throes of rejuvenation. With new apartments, advanced infrastructure, and progress at every turn, the ancient sorrow seems out of place. Some may argue, given the nation’s resurgence, should we transform this day of mourning into one of celebration?
Yet, the shadows of prejudice still lurk. From the distortion of Critical Race Theory painting Jews with broad, inaccurate strokes to hurtful stereotypes that suggest a secret Jewish dominance in various sectors. These misconceptions couldn’t be further from my own experience. I’ve been mocked and discriminated against simply for being Jewish. I vividly recall the piercing chants of “Jew, Jew, Jew” during my school days, a painful memory I’d rather forget but know I shouldn’t.
But Israel’s story isn’t one of perpetual sorrow. We’re a phoenix reborn from the ashes. Once gripped by a severe water crisis, Israeli innovation and determination led to pioneering desalination technology, turning the once depleting Sea of Galilee into a stable reservoir.
Similarly, Israel has transformed its energy narrative. While jokes once mused about Moses leading us to the only corner of the Middle East devoid of oil, the 2010 discovery of an extensive natural gas field within Israel’s waters rewrote that script. No more oil imports for half a century, a triumph in self-reliance.Israel stands tall, an emblem of resilience amidst adversities, historical and contemporary. So while Tisha B’Av remains a solemn remembrance, it also celebrates the spirit of an indomitable nation. To my American friends, I’d say this: let’s remember the past but also revel in the stories of renewal and hope. After all, it’s this balance that truly defines the Jewish spirit.
