Current sectionOpinionShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeAs Jews in Israel and around the world mark Tisha b'Av, there will be increased calls for unity. Before joining that chorus, Israelis who care about democracy and liberal values must ask: unity at what cost?11:53 AM • July 22 2026 IDTOn Thursday, Jews around the world will mark Tisha b'Av, a day of fasting and mourning in memory of the destruction of both the First and Second Jewish Temples. According to the Talmud, God sent the Romans to destroy the Second Temple in order to punish the Jews for their ceaseless infighting, or "baseless hatred." Therefore, many rabbis instruct the Jewish people to make special efforts ahead of this day to repair broken relationships and strengthen communal unity.In the NewsIn Today's Israel, Unity Is Too Often Used to Silence CriticismU.S. Says Open to Talks With Iran After 11th Consecutive Night of StrikesIDF's Gaza Earthen Barrier Crosses Almost a Mile Beyond Yellow Line'The Israeli Government Has an Interest in Disrupting the Elections'Parents of Slain Israeli Hostage Lead Tributes to Lindsey Graham at IAC MemorialRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIThe Most Optimistic Israeli in Jerusalem Is Leaving the CountryAs Ground Invasion Looms, U.S. and Iran Want Wild-card Israel Out of the FightDemocrats Rejected U.S. Aid to Israel, and AIPAC Couldn't Stop ThemBetween Messi and Milei: How Argentina Became Israel's Team at the World CupThe Original Ozempic Society of Ancient Rome'Choose Hope': Natalie Portman Backs Arab-Jewish Party Ahead of Israeli Election