Mitt Romney has confirmed that he will be in Jerusalem on T'isha B'av (the 9th of the Hebrew month Av), which falls this year in Israel on Sunday, July 29.
This is normally a day of ritual mourning when pious Jews fast in remembrance of the destruction of the first and second Temples.
This is by no means a light holiday and Governor and Mrs. Romney reportedly questioned whether it would be appropriate for them to visit Israel on this date, but PM Netanyahu not only urged the Romneys to be in Jerusalem on T'ishaB'av but invited them to the Prime Minister's residence for the traditional meal to break the fast after sundown.
Governor Romney and PM Netanyahu already have a friendly relationship, but Romney being in Jerusalem on this particular day tells me this is going to be a significant occasion for both men..and possibly for both nations.
Is it just me, or is there a message here as well. Having seen the Temple -- and much of Jerusalem -- destroyed by enemies and Israel overrun by her enemies, the Jewish people mourn. In joining with them, doesn't Romney not only signal that he stands as a friend to Israel AND commit himself to help ensure that such a catastrophe for the Jewish people never occurs again?
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