Denial inside the modern siege lines on Tisha B’Av

The article discusses the contemporary relevance of Tisha B’Av, traditionally a day of mourning for the destruction of the Temples and other Jewish tragedies, often attributed to "baseless hatred" (sinat chinam) and disunity. While introspection and self-blame served a purpose during centuries of exile, the author argues that modern Jewry faces an existential threat from external "Jew-haters" that requires more than just internal reflection. The text draws parallels between the internal strife during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. and current divisions within Israel, particularly regarding judicial reform, which some argue weakened the country before the October 7, 2023 attacks. It also highlights the post-October 7 surge in antisemitism and anti-Zionism in the Diaspora, particularly in the United States, where many Jews were unprepared for the level of hatred and delegitimization they encountered. The article suggests that a focus on internal conflict, while important, should not overshadow the recognition of external threats, emphasizing that Israel and global Jewry remain "under siege."