From the Liveblog of
Monday, March 25, 2024
Hostages’ families lead Jerusalem Purim parade as contentious event gets underway
The “United in Purim” parade in Jerusalem gets underway, with the procession through the capital led by relatives of hostages held in Gaza alongside Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.
Jerusalem’s first Purim parade in 42 years raised ire among city residents, relatives of hostages held in Gaza and others directly affected by October 7 and the war against Hamas.
The “Adloyada” event (shorthand for an Aramaic phrase in the Talmud describing the commandment to drink oneself into a stupor as part of the holiday celebration) was adjusted after relatives met with Lion last week.
בני משפחות החטופים מובילים את תהלוכת פורים בירושלים pic.twitter.com/ddnllZB35j
— Inbar Twizer ענבר טויזר (@inbartvizer) March 25, 2024
“We feel the pain of the families of those killed, we continue to embrace the families of the hostages and pray for their swift return,” Lion says, according to the Ynet news site.
A small protest against the parade is being held near the Mamilla mall, with demonstrators holding signs reading: “It’s still October 7.”
