Reflecting on my 66th fast on Tisha B’Av 2024, I found a newfound connection to the day of mourning. The recent Israel-Hamas war brought a wave of loss and despair, mirroring the historical tragedies that Tisha B’Av commemorates. As I sat on the floor, reading elegies and listening to stories of sacrifice and bravery, I felt a deep emotional resonance with the past and present struggles of the Jewish people.
Antisemitism, both overt and subtle, has reemerged in the wake of recent events, challenging long-held beliefs about Jewish security and acceptance. The generational hatred perpetuated by fundamentalist Islam has fueled anti-Jewish sentiment, even in academic and intellectual circles. But amidst these challenges, the call for unity and resilience shines through as a beacon of hope.
As we navigate the complexities of contemporary antisemitism, the lessons of Tisha B’Av remind us to stand strong, treat each other with kindness, and uphold justice and righteousness. In a world fraught with hostilities, the key to our future lies in our unity and unwavering commitment to our shared heritage.
The writer is a distinguished emeritus professor of biochemistry and chemistry at the City University of New York. He lives in Rehovot and has two grandsons in the IDF. The opinions in this article are his own.
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