Israelis celebrate Purim with historical comparisons as Iran war spirals

Israelis celebrate Purim with historical comparisons as Iran war spirals Submitted by Nadav Rapaport on Thu, 03/05/2026 - 15:38 Palestinian bus driver attacked in Jerusalem as holiday celebrations linked to story of the Persian empire Ultra-Orthodox Jewish people celebrate Purim in Jerusalem, 4 March 2026 (Amir Cohen/Reuters) Off As Israeli and US attacks on Iran intensify and the conflict spreads across the Middle East, Israelis celebrated Purim this week by drawing historical parallels with the holiday's story, which tells of the attempt to wipe out the Jews of the Persian empire. Thousands of Israelis ignored police and military restrictions on public gatherings to dress up in costumes and celebrate on the streets of Jerusalem on Tuesday and Wednesday. Avner Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s youngest son, was seen celebrating in Jerusalem on Wednesday, escorted by his bodyguards.