For example:
- This was the day when the twelve spies sent by Moses to scope out the Promised Land returned. Only Joshua and Caleb gave a positive report, so the Israelites panicked and despaired, and God delayed entering the promised land until the next generation (numbers 13-14)
- The 1st Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed on this day along with 100,000 Jews (421 BCE)
- The 2nd Temple was also destroyed on this day. Over 2,500,000 Jews die as a result of war, famine and disease (70 AD).
- The remains of the Temple were plowed over on this day (133 AD) to make room for the pagan city of Aelia Capitolina.
- The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed and over 100,000 were killed (132).
- The First Crusade was declared by Pope Urban II in 1095. 10,000 Jews killed the first month
- 1290 - Expulsion of Jews from England on tisha b'av
- 1492 - Inquisition in Spain and Portugal results in expulsion of Jews on this day
- 1914 - WWI declared
- 1942 - The first traincars of Jews arrive at the concentration camp in Poland (Treblinka)
So there is a long history of suffering attached to this day. It's a somber day for Jews everywhere around the world. But as with most things here in Israel, that does not mean that all Israelis fast or observe the holiday. We are quickly learning that there is a wide spectrum of beliefs here, as in many countries, and people express things in different ways. I had no school today in University, and most students probably went to the beach. Some may have fasted & prayed, but most probably not (not at a secular school like TAU). We rode our bikes to a park in the neighborhood & there were tons of parents & kids there. I suppose this is similar to having bar-b-ques on Memorial Day, like in the States. Till next time...Shalom y'all.
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