By Barak Malichi, Israeli Mishlachat

Throughout Jewish history, the Jewish people have had to face other nations forcing us to fight. Today, Tish’a B’av, we remember these hardships. The official day is actually a memorial for the destruction of both Temples, the first and the second, by the Babylonians and the Romans, respectively. However, for me, as a Jew and an Israeli, this day is a reminder for why I am here and to whom I owe thanks.

For ages and ages, numerous people, Jews and non-Jews, have sacrificed their lives to prevent the destruction that comes from hatred. Unfortunately, in spite of our modern technology and heightened social awareness, hatred and destruction haven’t ceased to exist.

In these very days my brothers in Israel are fighting to secure Israel’s borders and to ensure peace for its citizens. We see difficult pictures in the media and we may question what is actually happening. However, today more than ever we must stand together in solidarity with Israel, remembering our collective sorrow, and look to a brighter future for Jews in Israel and around the world.

On Tish’a B’av, some are fasting, some are crying, and some are praying. I choose to remember. I remember that there are people fighting to keep me safe, there are people fighting to keep the land of Israel safe for all Jewish people, and they also serve as a shield from the hatred. Wherever I stand – I stand with Israel, with an entire Jewish nation by my side, fighting our way to peace.