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We are now in the midst of the three weeks, that period between 17 Tammuz and 9 Av, which commemorates the destruction of both Temples and other historical calamities.
It is a time when religious Jews refrain from undertaking unnecessary travel or purchasing of new clothes and other material goods. There is a more sombre feel to life at this time which culminates in a day of mourning on Tisha B’Av.
Historically many tragedies occurred during this time including pogroms, massacres and the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. Interestingly, the deadline set for expulsion or forced conversion was the 9th. Day of the Hebrew month of Av and it was on this day that Christopher Columbus was set to sail on what proved to be his epic discovery of America. Intriguingly the postponed sailing by one day led to the theory that Columbus and some of his crew were in fact secret Jews who refused to commence this unknown voyage of discovery on the saddest day in the Jewish calendar.
Taking into account all the catastrophes which have occurred during this three week period it is no exaggeration to call it “a most dangerous season.”
However this year this “dangerous” season has taken on added significance. Lo and behold our erstwhile “peace” partners have issued a proclamation which not only elucidates for the uneducated what this time of the year really means but it also reveals for everyone but the most starry-eyed their real agenda.
On the Fast Day of 17 Tammuz which commences the three weeks of mourning for the destruction of the Temples, the Palestinian Arab Authority warned: “the most dangerous season of Judaization has begun.”
As reported by PMW the official PA daily newspaper warned its readers: “Among the extremist Jews, today is a Talmudic holiday considered the beginning of the most dangerous season of Judaization, and it is what is called ‘the fast of Tammuz,’ and is a prelude to the anniversary of what is called ‘the destruction of the alleged Temple. [Official PA daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 21, 2019)
Apparently, the sight of Jews sitting in mourning on the ground in front of the Kotel, reciting the lamentations of Jeremiah and other commemorative dirges, is so offensive that age-old libels and lies need to be recirculated in order to once again stir up the ignorant masses. Not content with this piece of incitement the report then went on to state: “The [PA] Ministry of Religious Affairs condemned the calls issued by the alleged Temple organizations to their supporters and the settler public to participate in break-ins to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”There you have it in black and white. Jews praying at the last remnant of the 2nd. Temple are guilty of gross desecration.
Thanks to New Zealand’s co-sponsorship of the infamous UN Resolution 2334 denying a Jewish legal right to Jerusalem, these libellous canards are given a kosher stamp of approval.
These three weeks in particular when lies are thick on the ground has also witnessed further outbursts of poisonous bile from officials and media in the “moderate, peace-loving” Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In case you may have forgotten this is the country which claims to be the guardian of religious freedom for all (except Jews). Not to be outdone the PA Minister of Sport and Chairman of their Olympic Committee chimed in with his hate-filled contributions.
After you have viewed these “pearls of wisdom” you need to ask what is being preached and taught in Mosques and schools worldwide.
Not to be outdone the EU Parliament is hosting a representative of the PFLP – the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a recognized terrorist group. Lunacy and hypocrisy knows no bounds.
Quite frequently the deranged obsession to delegitimize Israel and accuse it of every conceivable crime against humanity descends into the realm of farce more suited to an episode of Fawlty Towers. Take for example the latest attempt to accuse Israel of “Judaizing” Palestinian Arab food. In the normal course of events these accusations could be dismissed for the pathetic ranting of demented minds. Unfortunately, however it is the impressionable youngsters and brainwashed masses in Arab and Islamic countries that swallow this garbage hook, line and sinker. Moreover thanks to social media it influences others in so-called educated, liberal and progressive countries.
At this time we pray for the messianic era to arrive so that days of mourning can be turned into days of celebration. Until that happens however it would be wise to be prepared, forewarned and forearmed.
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel and is J-Wire’s correspondent in the region.
