Across the world this week, Jews are observing the saddest day on the Biblical calendar, a day of mourning and fasting in commemoration of the destruction of the First Temple (586 BCE) and the Second Temple (70 CE), along with other calamities that have befallen the Jewish people on the same day – the ninth of the month of Av – across millennia. These are not a coincidence, and our observance and mourning are with deep introspection.

The destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem pulled the rug out from under the cornerstone of Jewish life, something which we still experience today. Sadly, there are parallels in the Roman siege and conquest of Jerusalem 1956 years ago with the current siege of Western society by Islamists.

In the year 70, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, burning it down, purging and scattering its people with no regard for humanity. Rather than governing a foreign province, Judea, even with a brutal heel they were known for, they completely eviscerated the foundation, the economic infrastructure, and all the values of the remnants of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel until the last century.

The Romans’ breaching of the walls of Jerusalem then, and the Islamic breaching of Western values and societies today, portend the same calamitous outcome.

In 70 CE, the Roman legions under Titus encircled and then penetrated the walls of Jerusalem. Roman forces stormed the city, destroyed the Second Temple - the spiritual and national heart of Judaism - looted its treasures, and razed it. Josephus, the Jewish historian who witnessed the events, described famine, massacre, and enslavement on a massive scale. Rome celebrated with a triumphal parade, showcasing sacred looted artifacts like the golden menorah, the Table of Showbread, and trumpets through the streets.

The Arch of Titus, still standing in Rome, immortalizes this conquest,........

© Townhall