Police beef up presence at Purim celebrations

Police officers and volunteers were deployed in extra numbers Sunday to secure and maintain order at Purim festivities taking place around the country.

Thousands of security personnel were spread out in Holon, Netanya, and Ramat Hasharon, where tens of thousands of residents and visitors were taking part in traditional Purim parades. The police urged the public to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious people, vehicles, or objects.

Police also increased enforcement of the prohibition on selling alcohol to minors and cracked down on drunk driving during the festival, which places an emphasis of the consumption of alcohol. Police also warned children of the dangers of playing with fireworks and some toys.

A 15-year-old boy was lightly injured in Bnei Brak Saturday when a firecracker exploded, wounding his eye. The boy was taken to Tel Hashomer Hospital for an operation and the police launched an investigation into the incident.

Also in Bnei Brak, a police officer was injured when he tried to prevent local youths from setting off fireworks.

On Friday, a 10-year-old boy suffered light burns when a firecracker exploded in his hand.