Security on Shushan Purim

Dozens of missiles keep coming from Gaza into many parts of southern Israel.

Jerusalem was on a high security alert for the Purim holiday

and there were more police uniforms in sight than usual.

"walls of Old City"

Near Jaffa Gate, an ad for a food festival in the Old City was hard to miss,

but as Muslim prayers ended on Friday, security was hard to find.

Not the regular security in Malcha Mall

"bread" "challah" "wigs"

or selling bread in the Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk.

"Jaffa Street"

Most of the world celebrates Purim for one night and the following day…

in Jerusalem it goes on and on.

First there are weeks of school events, then the Fast of Esther on Thursday,

and the megillah, the story of Purim, is read three days later on Sunday night.

Mishloach manot, gifts of food, are delivered on Monday.

"Purim costumes" "Mamilla Mall"

On Shushan Purim, March 21,  Mamilla Mall

"bunny costume"

fills with colorful characters large

and small.

"face painting"

There is face painting,

"costumes"

more costumes,

and photo opportunities.

"Arab women"

The large crowds

include everyone from Spiderman to

this Aussie bloke

"mask"

and a mystery man.

It is way too warm for a real snow ball fight at Kikar Safra,  

Safra Square’s snow and ice event,

"cotton balls"

so there are cotton ball fights instead.

But on Shushan Purim

"Purim sign'

the place to be

"Shushan'

is on nearby Shushan Street!

"Purim celebration"

The little side street is packed

"Man in hat"

with people

enjoying

"Chinese dragon"

the many street performers

"puppet show"

and entertainers.

Even this Purim post is going on and on...

"bus sign"

and everything from the buses

"dog"

to pets are in holiday mode.

"colorful costumes"

It is such a colorful day.

A  light rail train near Shushan had to make an emergency stop,

and security is called…

"light rail train" "Jaffa Street"

to remove a party hat from the track.

"street band"

Music fills many Jerusalem streets and goes on well into the night.

What next?

What could be bigger?

"Jerusalem marathon sign"

Friday the city will come to a complete standstill 

for the first Jerusalem full marathon;

if you cannot walk or run…better to just stay home.

More Purim photos on The Real Jerusalem Streets’ Facebook page.

0 thoughts on “Security on Shushan Purim

  • March 23, 2011 at 12:58 pm
    Permalink

    Hi
    Great photos, especially the one showing the megilla reading at Ramban- such a handsome ( not to mention talented) reader they have there- aren’t they lucky!

    Reply
  • March 23, 2011 at 4:01 pm
    Permalink

    Nice pics, but terrorists have returned to Jerusalem

    Reply
  • March 24, 2011 at 1:01 pm
    Permalink

    I adore and love Israel and have been once a huge pity that there are still so many people who do not like the jews!!! – plenty of terrorist in israel and hopefully one day there will be less

    Reply

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