Nasrallah, Netanyahu and nostalgia at Holon Purim parade
5,000 take part in city's annual 'Adloyada' procession, which this year included a mock Purim story with a political feel.
More than 5,000 people in colorful costumes took to the streets of Holon on Thursday for the annual "Adloyada" parade, traditionally held on the second day of Purim. The marchers were joined some by 150,000 others who turned out to watch the parade.
The streets of the city were closed to traffic during the parade. A sense of nostalgia was provided by an old-fashioned Egged bus.
The procession includes dancers, bands, acrobats, street theater and bands. Those present were able to see costumes of Queen Elizabeth, the British high commissioner who declared the creation of the city of Holon, Israeli politicians, and even the anticipated light-rail system.
Present at the parade in Holon was British Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould, who sported a British policeman's helmet.
"It is a pleasure to be here with my two daughters," Gould said. "They found better costumes than me. I am proud that 75 years ago, the British high commissioner brought together neighborhoods to create the city of Holon. Happy Purim!"
The upcoming elections were also featured, with one of the displays called "politicians' Purim parade." It starred a pretend Benjamin Netanyahu as Aẖashverosh, Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog as Mordechai, Naftali Bennett of Bayit Yehudi as Queen Vashti and Meretz chief Zahava Gal-On as Queen Esther. Purim antagonist Hamas was a pretend Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Other Adloyada parades were held Thursday, including in Haifa, Herzliya and even the divided West Bank city of Hebron.
