Israelis Celebrate Purim in Shelters as Sirens Echo Across the Country

Even as missile sirens echoed across Israel, the sound of another tradition could be heard underground the reading of the Book of Esther.

Across the country, Israelis celebrated Purim in bomb shelters, parking garages, and underground stations after Israeli and US strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory missile attacks that have killed 11 people in Israel since Saturday.

Instead of street parades and packed city squares, families gathered in fortified spaces to mark the ancient Jewish holiday. Children in costumes, parents carrying trays of sweets, and volunteers reading the Megillah created scenes of determination and faith beneath the surface of Israel’s cities.

In Tel Aviv, dozens of families filled an underground parking structure at a shopping mall that doubles as a bomb shelter. Some had been living there for days, setting up tents and air mattresses while maintaining as much normalcy as possible for their children.

Despite the circumstances, the spirit of Purim remained unmistakable.

Children dressed as superheroes, queens, and biblical characters played beside folding chairs as the story of Esther was read aloud the account of how a plot to annihilate the Jewish people in ancient Persia was foiled through courage and faith.

For many Israelis, the connection between the ancient story and current events felt impossible to ignore.

The Purim narrative takes place roughly 2,500 years ago in Shushan, under Persian rule. The villain of the story, Haman, sought the destruction of the Jewish people. Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai ultimately thwarted the plan, saving the Jewish nation from annihilation.

Today, as modern-day Iran threatens Israel, the echoes of that ancient story feel strikingly familiar to many who gathered underground to celebrate.

Similar scenes unfolded in other cities. In Ramat Gan, residents gathered inside an underground metro station used as a shelter. Across the country, communities scaled back large public celebrations while still finding creative ways to preserve the holiday’s traditions.

Purim began Monday night for most of the Jewish world and is celebrated a day later in ancient walled cities such as Jerusalem.

Major festivities had originally been planned after a two-year pause following the October 7 attacks and the war that followed. Yet as the security situation intensified this week, many events were canceled or moved to protected spaces.

Still, families were determined that the joy of Purim would not disappear.

Parents carefully planned routes with nearby shelters and chose secure locations where children could still hear the Megillah, share treats, and celebrate together.

In many ways, the scene captured the heart of Israel itself resilience, community, and faith carried forward even in moments of danger.

For thousands of years, the Jewish people have marked Purim as a reminder that attempts to destroy them ultimately fail. This year, that message resonates with particular strength.

Even beneath concrete ceilings and reinforced walls, the laughter of children in costumes and the words of the ancient scroll continue to echo.

Israel’s story like the story of Purim remains one of survival, courage, and hope.

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