Israeli Broadcasters Reflect on Jewish Unity and Antisemitism on Tisha B'Av

On the 1,958th anniversary of the destruction of the Second Temple, Israeli broadcasters Moshe Mens and Ariel Sharfer hosted a special Tisha B'Av program on 'Davar Rishon.' Despite often holding opposing views, they united in emphasizing that external enemies do not distinguish between different Jewish communities but target all Jews alike. The broadcast combined introspective discussions on internal societal divisions with personal stories of loss and practical advice for observing the fast.

Rabbi Ben Zion Nordman, chief rabbi of the Great Synagogue in Hadera, joined the program to address the concept of "baseless hatred" and the dangers of apathy within the Jewish people. He argued that disputes born from care demonstrate familial bonds, while indifference represents true destruction. Rabbi Nordman condemned extremist violence against rabbis and scholars, urging communities to foster goodness and avoid reciprocal aggression, citing Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai's response during the Temple's destruction as a model for communal resilience.

The program also highlighted rising antisemitism abroad through Rabbi Rami Glickstein's harrowing account of an assault in Manhattan. While walking to a kosher restaurant wearing traditional Jewish attire, he was attacked by a stranger who tore off his kippah, spat on it, and punched him, causing serious injuries. Rabbi Glickstein connected this incident to his father's Holocaust experiences, underscoring the painful recurrence of Jewish persecution and the troubling indifference of bystanders.

To help viewers endure the long afternoon fast of Tisha B'Av, Mens and Sharfer offered ten practical and meaningful activities. Additionally, Rabbi Yuval Langzam shared reflections on his expulsion from the Gush Katif settlement 21 years ago, discussing coping strategies amid political and personal crises. The broadcast concluded with a hopeful prayer for unity, love, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem amid recent communal and personal hardships.