23/07/2026
9th of Av. A day of calamity for the Jewish people, over and over, throughout the centuries. Our sages tell us that the temple was destroyed because of baseless hatred.
The last week I had the privilege of guiding Maccabi USA. Throughout the week, I told them time and time again - when the Jewish people are united, we are invincible. Our light shines forth, and we can overcome anything and everything.
Our enemies have tried to destroy us over and over again throughout history. Their empires have all disappeared, and we, a small speck in the global population, are still here.
Mark Twain famously asked "what is the secret of the Jews"?
I believe it is our unity. Our recognition that we are all connected. Our pain that we carry collectively, our responsibility towards each other, and our constant efforts to make the world a better place. Tikkun Olam - repairing the world - not just for us, but for all mankind. That is our strength, and there is no other nation like us. As long as we remember we are all one nation, where-ever we are on the planet, whatever our religious or political beliefs - we are one.
That is what I want to remember on the 9th of Av. Love over hate. Unity over division. Life over death. Our love will rebuild, and we will dance again.
Am Yisrael Chai!!!
