On the 17th of Elul, the spies sent by Moshe and returned with bad report, died. G-d restrained His anger with them and did not punish them for 40 days , corresponding with the 40 days during which they spied out the land. Measure for measure.
The sages note that if this is what happenes to those slandering the land, how much more severly for those slandering people.
Let us 1) be very careful discussing and gossiping about others. 2) Support Judea and Samaria and advocate against the inflammatory narrative that is furthered by the BDS (Boycott Divest Sanctions) and other movements. Take an ACTIVE STAND!