Queen Esther and Peter Pan: Purim is here
Photo: Ilan Marciano
Terror warnings ahead of Purim
Police place thousands of officers in city centers, Northern Command warns of Hizbullah attacks in north; firefighters ask public to be careful from firecrackers
Security forces have reported that they hold 59 warnings, 11 of them specific, of intentions by terror groups to carry out attacks. A general closure has been imposed on Judea and Samaria, the Jordan Valley, and the Gaza Strip. The closure will be in effect for the whole of Purim, but will exclude humanitarian movements approved by coordination centers.
Thousands of police and Border Police officers, as well as volunteers from the Civil Guard, with the backing of IDF soldiers, will spread out in a high level of readiness, especially in city centers, and the border areas with the West Bank.
The mobilization will see increased protection for population centers, urban centers, parks, and entertainment districts, which will see many celebrate Purim.
The Northern Command also announced increased alert along the northern border in anticipation of the Purim holiday. Sources in the IDF assessed that Hizbullah might attack because of the upcoming parliamentary elections and the large number of travelers that will visit the north on the Purim vacation.
The level of alert will last until Thursday when children will return to school.
Public transport and stations will also see increased security, and there will be more activity to prevent illegal entrances into the country, with a special emphasis on those who transport, employ and provide them with accommodation.
Firecrackers warning
On Sunday morning, the country was flooded with children in Purim disguises. Firefighters have warned the public against firecrackers which cause tragedy. A number of items banned by the Industry and Commerce Ministry are available on the market, including firecrackers, gun replicas, arrow guns, spikes, and all toys which include gun powder and explosive material.
Purim is however a time for celebrations and the Tel Aviv Municipality hopes to set a new Guinness Record with the largest Purim package present in the world.
The City will place an enormous truck on Tuesday in Dizengoff Square for collections of Purim packages. The packages will distributed to the needy across the city, through the municipality's welfare office.
