The Jewish holiday of Purim is traditionally celebrated in Israel with drunken debauchery and wearing costumes. The holiday celebrates the Jews escaping genocide in Persia. Many rabbis this year are comparing Hamas to the notorious villain of the Purim story, Haman, pointing to their stated dream of eliminating Israel. But rabbis and officials also called on Israelis to tone things down this year in honor of the people serving in the army, and hostages still in Gaza.
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