🕯️ TISHA B’AV: MEMORY, UNITY AND HOPE IN A TIME OF WAR:
🕑 Published: July 22, 2026 · 2:00 PM Israel time
As sunset reaches Jewish communities this evening, the Jewish people enter Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar.
For those less familiar with the day, Tisha B’Av commemorates the destruction of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem: the First by the Babylonians and the Second by the Romans. It also gathers into one day the memory of centuries of exile, persecution and national tragedy.
The fast is observed through mourning, prayer and the reading of Eichah, the Book of Lamentations.
But Tisha B’Av is not only about looking backward. It asks what history demands of us now.
Our sages teach that baseless hatred contributed to the destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash. Its enduring answer is greater unity, responsibility, goodness and love toward one another.
That message carries particular weight this year.
Since October 7, the people of Israel and Jewish communities around the world have lived through profound loss, war, displacement, uncertainty and continuing threats.
Today, we again find ourselves at a consequential moment. The confrontation with Iran continues, its regional proxies threaten further escalation, and diplomacy and military action may determine whether the coming days move toward restraint or a broader conflict.
Tisha B’Av reminds us that history can turn at moments when a nation is tested. It also reminds us that strength is not measured only by weapons and defenses. It is measured by whether we remain united, refuse to surrender to hatred, care for one another and remember what we are protecting.
We pray that the decisions now being made lead toward security rather than greater bloodshed, stability rather than widening war, and a better future for Israel and the entire region.
Israel RealTime wishes everyone fasting an easy and meaningful fast.
May those who mourn find comfort. May the wounded be healed. May our soldiers and all those defending Israel be protected. May Jerusalem know lasting peace.
And in the traditional hope of this day, may we merit the rebuilding of the Third Beit HaMikdash, the coming of Mashiach, and the transformation of these days of mourning into days of joy, speedily in our time.
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