Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

IDF soldiers read Purim Megillah in Gaza: WATCH

Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of its enemies.

Israeli troops operating in the Gaza Strip, March 23, 2024. Credit: IDF.
Israeli troops operating in the Gaza Strip, March 23, 2024. Credit: IDF.

Israel Defense Forces troops waging war against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip marked Purim on Sunday by reading Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther.

Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of an official of the Achaemenid Empire named Haman, as it is recounted in the Book of Esther.

Haman was vizier to the Persian king Ahasuerus. His plans were foiled by Mordecai and his adopted daughter Esther, who had become queen upon her marriage to Ahasuerus.

The day of deliverance became a day of rejoicing among Jews.

The deputy foreign minister talks with JNS about Lebanon, Iran, surging antisemitism and the importance of Africa.
The treasury is drafting a four-year plan that, if adopted, would cancel Eilat’s VAT exemption and slash tax benefits for new immigrants.
Foreign envoys hear appeals to recognize Israel’s united capital and relocate embassies to the city.
The military “remains in a state of constant readiness” across all arenas, said the chief of staff.
The discovery near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel has left researchers puzzled about its purpose and age.