A Letter to Myself – Tisha B’Av 5785, August 2025

Dear Chavi,

You’re writing this letter to yourself not for a good reason, but because you are living through a historic moment.

Your thoughts, feelings, and reflections are like a kaleidoscope, showing the layered, complex truths of what’s happening.

This could even end up in a history book one day.

And that’s insane.

It’s Tisha B’Av, August 2025, and the world feels incredibly dark right now.

That’s not to say there’s no light.

On the contrary, as a G-d-fearing Jew, you know there’s light everywhere. Everything that happens is divinely directed. Nothing is by chance or coincidence.

But that doesn’t take away from how scary things feel.

Yesterday, on the very street you live, next to the shule where you pray, a man brazenly put up a sign that said “F*** Jews.”

Apparently, it started as a “Free Palestine” sign… but now it’s moved to that.

At least he’s being honest, I guess?

Yet, how absurd that a man so openly put up a sign like that? In Sydney, Australia? In 2025? And this man lives on your street, you probably have walked passed him, even smiled at him.

Then again, look at the current government ruling Australia, a government that has allowed bad behaviour to be perpetuated, where antisemitic graffiti has become normalised, and car burnings and shules being firebombed are met with the same tired refrain repeated by our leadership: ‘Antisemitism has no place in Australia.’

A few days ago, I was sitting in a waiting room for a medical appointment. Mainstream Channel 9 News was playing.

“The humanitarian crisis… Israel is starving Gaza…”

At least 20 people were watching.

All I wanted to do was stand up and say in front of everyone:

Don’t believe what you’re hearing.

Do you know how this started? Hamas, a terrorist regime, brutally, barbarically, and savagely infiltrated Israel and slaughtered thousands.

They raped, mutilated, tortured, and kidnapped.

There are still hostages right now, as we speak.

Evyatar David.
Rom Braslavski.
Say their names.
Look at their faces.

Hamas has never hidden what they’ve done. They filmed it. They broadcast it. And they’re continuing to. They parade their brutality as resistance. They are the epitome of evil, using Gazans as human shields, stealing aid while their people suffer.

Where has all the aid gone?

Billions of dollars have poured into Gaza, especially now, with the world’s eyes fixed on them.

If there’s a humanitarian crisis, ask yourself why.

It doesn’t take a genius.

Know this, when you’re watching mainstream news or media, you’re being fed lies.

These are modern blood libels against the Jewish people.

Remember why Israel is in this war, to defend itself and its people.
To live normal, peaceful lives. Is that too much to ask?
Israel is living next door to a regime that openly calls for its annihilation and wants to commit an actual genocide. And their surrounding neighbours aren’t much friendlier either, rockets flying left, right, and centre.
If the Iron Dome didn’t exist, Israel would be flattened.

What would Australia do in that position?
What would any other Western democratic country do?

And to add insult to injury, who can’t remember what happened at the Opera House on October 9th… And today, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is being shut down.
Yes, shut down. For a “March for Humanity.”

Remind me, what exactly does a war in the Middle East have to do with Australia?

How is this relevant?

How does this bring peace?

Are we marching for the hostages to be freed?

Are we marching for everyone suffering around the world?

In Sudan, where millions face displacement, famine, and violence amid the ongoing conflict between military factions?

In Ukraine, ravaged by war?

In Yemen, where war and famine devastate millions?

In Syria and Afghanistan, torn apart by conflict?

In Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Somalia, where violence and displacement continue?

In Haiti and Venezuela, struggling through political and economic crises?

In Iran, where people have zero rights under an extreme fundamentalist Islamist dictatorship, and where women risk everything to riot for their freedom?

Okay, rant over (for now).

But in all seriousness, I feel like I’m living in a world where everyone is wearing green glasses, and I’m wearing pink.

Seeing eye to eye feels impossible.

That doesn’t mean I’m not open to dialogue or conversation.

Nor am I saying Israel is perfect or that the IDF has never made mistakes.

I’ll be the first to admit it. But facts are facts.

Black is black.

One plus one equals two.

How have we become such an intolerant society, so “tolerant” of others, except of anyone who holds a different perspective?

So open-minded, people’s brains have fallen out.

So twisted and perverted that animals are seen as the saviours, and heroes are seen as the villains.

I keep thinking,

Will there be a future for Jews in Australia?

Will there be a future for Jews in the diaspora?

And yes, I’m still here. In Australia.

Because I believe, right now, I need to be here.

Because I’m a teacher, an educator, a proud Jew.

That’s why I created The Empowered Jew, because I believe in humanity.

And I believe every Jew needs the knowledge, skills, and tools to stand strong in their Jewish identity and their connection to Israel, with pride and without apology.

Call me naïve, call me a hypocrite. I’ll take it.

I do love living in Australia, and moving to the Middle East tomorrow is no easy feat, and would be a major culture shock for me.

Yet, I know a Jew belongs in Israel.

That is our homeland.

That is what we pray for every single day.

As we say in the Amidah prayer,

“V’techezena eineinu b’shuvcha l’Tzion b’rachamim” – May our eyes behold Your return to Zion in mercy.

And still, despite all these intense and confronting musings, life continues.

I will take out the garbage.
I will feed my baby.
I will get ready for Shabbos with zest.
I will grab a coffee.
I will go to appointments.
I will socialise with friends.
I will attend shiurim.
I will celebrate joyous moments.
I will marvel at Bondi Beach.
I’ll continue with daily life, because that’s what we do.

But behind the normalcy, these thoughts are always with me.
They’re with me when I leave my comfort zone, which is almost daily.
And I know they’re with others too.

All I can say, is Thank G-d I have G-d, because without You, Hashem there would be no hope.

Sincerely,

A simple Jew, Chavi