Remembering the 9th Av

The Jewish people use an annual occasion to mourn the massive tragedies and assaults they have endured on the 9th of Av on the Hebrew calendar, often done in the name of Christian churches. This year we were a delegation of Christian leaders in Israel observed the solemn remembrance by a declaration of repentance in Israel’s parliament.

On Tuesday, we met in the chambers of Yuli Edelstein, Speaker of the Knesset, and presented him with a declaration signed by 1,500 Christians in which they expressed a desire to comfort the Jewish people for crimes done to them.

This year the 9th of Av on the Gregorian calendar falls on July 22. The purpose of the initiative is for Christians to meditate on past grievances and to ask the Almighty to repair breaches.

This initiative of Christian repentance was spearheaded by Bob O’Dell, co-founder of Root Source , an organisation that specialises in Hebrew Roots Bible studies, and was coordinated by Donna Jollay, Director of Christian Relations at israel365.

“We the undersigned recognise the long and horrific history of anti-semitic atrocities committed against Jews in the name of Christ,” the proclamation read. “We repent for these actions, pray to God to continue turning the hearts of Christians to true love for His Chosen People, and submit this declaration to the representative of Israel and the Jewish People.”

The story behind the list is an inspiring tale of personal service to God. After researching the Hebrew roots of his Christian religion for several years, O’ Dell deceided to research the history of Christian atrocities against Jews. As he read history books, he created a spreadsheet listing what h e found. He was astounded when the list passed 500 major events.

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