Thousands celebrate Purim

Clear skies, heavy security mark holiday events around Israel, traditional 'Adloyada' parades and fairs in Holon, Tel Aviv, Beer Sheva
By Roni Sofer

Thousands of Israelis hit the streets Friday to celebrate the Purim holiday around Israel.

According to police estimates, about 200,000 people took advantage of perfect weather to participatein the traditional “Adloyada” parade in Holon, and an additional 50,000 showed up for festivities on Dizengoff Street in downtown Tel Aviv.

The Holon parade featured approximately 5000 participants, including music, acrobats, gymnasts and dancers.

Interior Minister Ophir Pines officiated at the ceremonies, conducted this year under the banner “Israeli children’s stories”. Representatives of Japan and Estonia also participated in the 13th Adloyada in the city.

Beer Sheva

In Beer Sheva, some 3000 teenagers and bands paraded through the streets. Thousands more lined the four-kilometer (2.5 mile) route.

Participants included Mayor Yaakov Turner, complete with cowboy costume, and Ben Gurion University President Avishai Braverman, who dressed as a security guard. After the parade, a local shopping center hosted dance and music performances.

All events reported heavy police presence, and all passed quietly.

In Modiin, city spokeswoman reported thousands of participants in the city’s Adloyada parade and surrounding activities, including 1500 school children.