Three rare archival photos documenting Purim celebrations in the Land of Israel during the 1920s have been unveiled from the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) photo archive. They offer a captivating look at children celebrating the holiday in the Land of Israel long before costumes became a booming industry. Taken during a time when the streets were filled with thousands of people, these photos offer a glimpse into a more intimate and creative Purim experience.
Captured by Shmuel Joseph Schweig—one of the most well-known photographers of the Yishuv during the early years of Zionist life in Israel—they also showcase the vibrant spirit of the era.
In the first photo, taken in March 1928, a young child is dressed as a sailor, wearing a uniform and hat. The costume represents a KKL-JNF ship, symbolizing the arrival of Jewish people to the shores of the land.
Another image shows a child dressed as a citrus tree, a strong symbol of Israeli and Zionist identity. The costume is crafted from leaves and branches—and adorned with real oranges—creating a striking visual representation of the connection between the land and its people.
The third, taken in 1926, captures two children: one dressed in a split costume with one half in black and the other in white, and the second child wearing a dress decorated with Jewish symbols, including Stars of David and boxes from KKL-JNF.
“These photos provide a fascinating historical window, not only into Purim celebrations but also into the early days of Israeli society,” says Efrat Sinai, head of the archives department at KKL-JNF.
“They show how both children and adults created colorful, imaginative celebrations with the limited resources available to them—long before costume stores or a commercial industry surrounded the holiday,” she said. “They capture the natural joy, Zionist values and the sense of community that was being formed during that time.”