Hundreds Sing Together at Western Wall to Mark End of Tisha B'Av Fast

As the sun set on Tisha B'Av, hundreds of worshippers gathered at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem to mark the fast's conclusion. Among those present were Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, OU global CEO Rabbi Josh Joseph, OU Israel CEO Rabbi Avi Berman, and hundreds of youth participants visiting Israel through OU's summer programs. Following the afternoon prayer, the young attendees led a spirited communal singing that energized the crowd.

The event's organizers noted that amid the past year's multi-front war and the joint US-Israel efforts against Iran, the singing symbolized the strong alliance and shared destiny between Israel and American Jewry. Special kinnot (lamentations) composed by the late Rabbi Moshe Hauser, OU global CEO, were distributed in Jewish communities worldwide. These lamentations referenced the October 7 attacks and ongoing conflict, poignantly describing the devastation in locations such as Be'er Sheva, Re'im, Kfar Aza, and Sderot.

Rabbi Josh Joseph emphasized the significance of standing "in the beating and eternal heart of the Jewish people on Tisha B'Av," highlighting the resilience and unity demonstrated over the past year. Rabbi Avi Berman reflected on decades of annual gatherings at the Wall, expressing hope that mutual responsibility and unconditional love among Jews will ultimately bring redemption.