A political Purim in Gaza
Gaza settlers use Purim costumes to make political statements; settler holiday celebration set for Thursday at Baruch Goldstein’s gravesite
Several settler children in Gaza dressed up in Purim costumes on Wednesday that expressed protest over the expected evacuation of Gaza settlements as part of the disengagement plan.
One child came to school Purim Eve dressed as an electricity control panel that read, “I will not be disconnected,” and another student dressed up as a heart with the words “My heart has been hurt” inscribed on it.
In several main Gush Katif settlement bloc schools and kindergartens, children dressed up as suicide bombers, and IDF officers and soldiers.
Some of the children appeared wearing orange t-shirts that said, “My home is Gush Katif.”
Most were traditional Queen Esthers
However, Muchi Beter, who is head of education at the Gaza Beach Regional Council, said only a few chose to make political statements through their costumes, and most of the children wore the more traditional Queen Esther and butterfly costumes.
As in recent years, right-wing activists are expected to mark the Purim holiday Thursday with a public celebration at Baruch Goldstein’s gravesite in Kiryat Arba.
In Purim 1994, Goldstein shot to death 28 Muslims at a Hebron mosque; eventually he ran out of ammunition, and the remaining mosque goers killed him.
Some activists are expected to appear dressed as Disengagement Office Head Yonatan Bassi in prison attire and handcuffs.
Do not dress as Sharon
Some said people planning to attend the event should not wear costumes of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, because when their fellow activists become intoxicated they may mistake them for the real Sharon and attempt to harm them.
“The Goldstein celebration receives a different meaning in light of the intent to expel Jews from their land,” one activist said. “During Goldstein’s time, Jews were murdered - but he did not remain silent.”
