Hostage families blast plans for first Jerusalem Purim parade in 40 years

The Jerusalem Municipality has decided to organize the first Purim parade (Adloyada) in the city in over 40 years.

Purim is typically a joyous Jewish holiday that celebrates the survival of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, according to the biblical Book of Esther. As part of the festivities, Israeli children nationwide usually dress up in colorful costumes, with adults wearing masks or fancy clothing, and hosting celebratory parties.

However, the families of the hostages held in Gaza have blasted the parade as inappropriate, as long as Israel is still at war with the Iranian-backed terrorist group, Hamas.

Tom Barkai, whose relative is still being held hostage in Gaza, emphasized that such a happy event should not be held amid so much suffering in Israeli society.

“The event is detached from what’s happening in Israel,” Barkai argued.

“We, as citizens of Israel, request to postpone the large event and instead hold smaller, less conspicuous events for the children. There is no place to use the public space and streets of Jerusalem for an event so cut off from the families of the hostages and the bereaved families in the city, for whom it's like a punch to the gut.”

Barkai, and other relatives of the Israeli hostages, have urged Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion to cancel this year’s Purim parade through the streets of the Holy City.

Ella Metzger, the daughter-in-law of Yoram Metzger, an 80-year-old man who has been held hostage in Gaza for 165 days, urged the city of Jerusalem to “scale down” the festive event.

“It's not appropriate this year. Among us, there are too many families in mourning, holding onto the fact that their loved ones have been in captivity for almost six months. Everything must be done to bring them back. I understand it’s hard, and we don't want to spoil the children’s joy. Children have the morning celebrations and, in the community, we can also organize small events. Please, cancel the Adloyada celebration. The grand celebrations are not fitting this year.”  

However, the Jerusalem Municipality defended its decision, arguing that this year’s Purim parade would reflect the mood of a nation at war:

“The decision to hold the Adloyada was made with understanding and sensitivity to public discourse, especially the feelings of the families of the hostages, fallen and wounded. Unlike routine Adloyada parades, this event will reflect the current spirit and period. The Adloyada represents the legacy of the fallen, including many from Jerusalem who, in their bravery, instructed us to continue living our lives, which entail both sorrow and joy.

“The event will be dedicated to children, showcasing the courage of our military personnel, evacuees and heroes of the Gaza enclave, while raising awareness about the plight of the hostages."

Despite the divisions on the issue of whether to organize a Purim parade this year, most Jews in Israel and across the diaspora agree that Purim is a time to celebrate Jewish survival, in the face of lethal threats.

“Purim is the celebration of the Jews’ survival of the attempt to annihilate them under Haman…” said Dr. Elana Heideman, Executive Director of the Israel Forever Foundation.

The threat of annihilation is something painfully familiar for Jews in Israel today Israeli Jews, especially after the Hamas October 7 massacres.