Eyal Berkovich Mocks Gedalia Fast, Cites 'Charlie and Half'

Israeli television personality Eyal Berkovich responded with confusion and humor when the fast of Gedalia was mentioned on air Monday. During a broadcast on Channel 13 with Moria Kor, reporter Michael Shemesh noted that it was the day of the fast. Berkovich, unaware of the religious observance, stated, "The only Gedalia I know is from the movie 'Charlie and Half'."

The Fast of Gedalia is observed on the third day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah ben Achikam. He was the last Jewish governor in the Land of Israel after the destruction of the First Temple. His murder, carried out by Yishmael ben Netania, instigated by the King of Ammon, stemmed from political jealousy and power struggles.

This assassination had severe repercussions for the remaining Jewish population in the land. Fearful of Babylonian retribution, they dispersed and fled to Egypt. This exodus led to the elimination of the remaining Jewish settlement, and Gedaliah's death marked the effective end of Jewish sovereignty and the beginning of the full Babylonian exile. The sages established the fast on this date to teach that the death of righteous individuals is equivalent to the destruction of the Temple, highlighting how Gedaliah's murder led to the dispersal of the populace and the ruin of the established community.