Napoleon Bonaparte was passing through the Jewish quarter in Paris when he stopped to investigate the strange cries and laments emanating from the local synagogue.
His curiosity had been piqued when he was informed that it was the Ninth of Av and that he was listening to the Jewish people wail over the destruction of their Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
“When did this thing happen?” probed the inquisitive Emperor.
“Some 1700 years ago,” came the nonchalant reply.
Upon hearing this Napoleon remarked in a tone of awe and conviction: “A people who refuse to forget their past, are destined to forever have a future.”
Have an easy fast
