Israeli Captive Survivor Urges Unity and Meaningful Fasting on Tisha B'Av

Ahead of the Tisha B'Av fast, Israeli captive survivor Rom Breslavski issued a heartfelt call for unity and an end to street violence in Israel. In a video posted on social media, Breslavski highlighted that "baseless hatred" remains prevalent even in 2026, citing incidents where youths physically assault adults and referencing recent murders such as that of Yimano Zalka. He urged the public to reflect on the reasons behind fasting on Tisha B'Av, warning against fasting without purpose and emphasizing the need to stop violence and curses among the people.

Breslavski stressed that the destruction of the Temple was caused by internal hatred among Jews and called for a collective soul-searching to foster love and unity. His message resonated widely, with many commenters affirming the call for solidarity across religious and secular divides and expressing hope for redemption and the coming of the Messiah.

Tisha B'Av is the most severe fast day in Jewish tradition, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples and other calamities in Jewish history. Observers refrain from eating, drinking, bathing, anointing, marital relations, and wearing leather shoes from sunset to nightfall the following day. The fast is marked by mourning customs, including sitting on low stools and reading kinnot (lamentations). In recent years, the fast's conclusion has become a significant event in Jerusalem, with thousands gathering at the Western Wall to sing songs of longing and hope, followed by the recitation of the blessing over the new moon and distribution of food and drink to break the fast.

Breslavski's message, delivered from a place deeply connected to Jewish history and spirituality, called on Israelis to unite and avoid repeating the mistakes that led to past tragedies, emphasizing that meaningful fasting should inspire positive change rather than be a mere ritual.