Quiet music, yellow ribbons: Jerusalem Purim parade under shadow of war

• Published date: 25 March 2024
• Author: TZVI JOFFRE
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

This year was the first time in 42 years that Jerusalem held an "Adloyada," a traditional Purim parade with floats and costumes. The announcement that the parade was returning to the capital in the middle of the war sparked mixed responses, with families of the hostages being held by Hamas calling on the municipality to cancel the event

After extensive discussions, the families and the municipality reached an agreement: the parade would go forward but would be made appropriate for the current situation. The music would be turned down and the families of the hostages would take a central role.

Despite the agreement, some families and activists were still unhappy with the festivities, with at least one person detained after attempting to block the parade route. Protesters held signs saying that the parade was "disrepecting the pain" of many Israelis.

According to the Jerusalem Municipality, about 30,000 people attended the parade.

Crowds gathered along the parade route, which went along Jaffa Road in the center of the city and despite the clear presence of the shadow of the war, the floats, performers, and audience still created a festive atmosphere.

'United Purim'

The event was named the "United Purim" parade, with floats designed by cultural institutions in Jerusalem, children in the capital, children who were evacuated from their homes due to the war, and artists who just returned from reserve service. "All this...