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Between the straits: On Tisha B’Av, Israel must confront its own internal fanaticism - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • The article argues that Israelis must confront internal fanaticism and societal divisions on Tisha B'Av.
  • It warns that internal hatred and the erosion of trust in institutions mirror historical causes of past national calamities.
  • The author urges empathy and a willingness to see opposing viewpoints as also seeking the country's good, not as existential enemies.

On Tisha B'Av, a day of national mourning, Israelis must confront a dangerous internal fanaticism that threatens their sovereignty, argues Yedidia Stern. He draws a parallel to historical Jewish commonwealths destroyed by internal strife, warning that today's society risks undermining the rule of law, eroding trust in state institutions, and weakening governance while facing external enemies.

we have forgotten

— Yedidia SternStern's reflection on the state of Israeli society on Tisha B'Av, suggesting a loss of historical memory and purpose.

A recent JPPI survey indicates that a majority of Israelis believe the greatest threat to their future comes not from external security threats or global antisemitism, but from within. This intuition, Stern suggests, is not unfounded but requires precision. The danger lies not in disagreement itself, but in how it is managed. Public life has devolved into a "zero-sum game," where each side views the other's victory as making the shared home unlivable.

a people capable of weeping over so ancient a loss would one day rebuild what it had lost

— Napoleon (apocryphal folk tale)An anecdote used to illustrate the power of memory and historical connection as a force for renewal.

This apocalyptic mindset, Stern contends, breeds fanaticism, which historically acts as a battering ram against national sovereignty. Disagreement, he stresses, is an inseparable part of a living society. The crucial question is whether Israelis can disagree without negating the legitimacy of others, without transforming them into enemies. This requires empathy – not necessarily agreement – to recognize that those with differing views also operate from a worldview and a sincere concern for the country's future.

we risk setting fire to the granaries of sovereignty – undermining the rule of law, eroding trust in state institutions, and weakening governance – once again, while at war with our enemies.

— Yedidia SternStern's warning about the current internal threats to Israeli sovereignty, drawing parallels to historical self-destructive actions.

Stern challenges readers to consider if they can acknowledge that political opponents, like Bezalel Smotrich for those on the Left or Yair Golan for those on the Right, may be wrong but still seek the nation's good. He suggests that offense at such a comparison reveals the core of the problem. Empathy alone, however, is insufficient; a polarized society needs more than just mutual recognition.

the greatest threat to our future lies not beyond the country’s borders – in security threats and global antisemitism – but within us.

— Majority of Israelis (JPPI survey)Survey findings highlighting internal societal divisions as the primary perceived threat to Israel's future.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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