Hundreds of Youth and New Immigrants Sing at Western Wall on Tisha B'Av

On the evening of Tisha B'Av, the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem was filled with hundreds of worshippers, including Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, OU global CEO Rabbi Josh Joseph, OU Israel CEO Rabbi Avi Berman, and hundreds of youth participants from the OU organization. These young people arrived in Israel as part of the NCSY summer programs and the Dror camp for the English-speaking community and new immigrants. After the afternoon prayer, the group began a powerful and moving singing session that captivated all attendees.

Against the backdrop of the past year's multi-front war and the joint US-Israel campaign against Iran, the singing underscored the close alliance and shared destiny between Israel and American Jewry. Communities in Israel and worldwide also distributed a special kinah (lamentation) for Tisha B'Av, composed by the late Rabbi Moshe HaOmer, former OU global CEO who passed away two years ago. The kinah reflects on the horrors of October 7 and the ongoing war, with poignant lines describing fallen soldiers in various locations.

Rabbi Josh Joseph, visiting Israel for this event, remarked that standing at the heart of the Jewish people on Tisha B'Av is a reminder of Judaism's enduring vitality. He emphasized the unity and strength demonstrated over the past year, saying, "Seeing our youth standing here with pride and great song gives strength to continue working for the entire Jewish people." Rabbi Avi Berman highlighted the decades-long tradition of gathering at the Western Wall on Tisha B'Av, noting that mutual responsibility and love among Jews will ultimately bring redemption. He concluded, "With unconditional love, we will build and be redeemed."