Photos: Purim Holiday celebrations in Israel

Posted Feb 22, 2013

The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews’ salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes; eating a festive meal; and public celebration.

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Israelis wear costumes at a Purim party in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Two Ultra Orthodox Jewish boys dress as clowns during the Purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak, Israel, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Five-year-old Sara holds a Purim noisemaker, or a gragger, during the Purim festival at the main synagogue in Bucharest, Romania on Saturday evening, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
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Moti and Elazar, 8, two Ultra Orthodox Jewish boys dressed in costumes walk during the Purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak, Israel,Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Ultra Orthodox Jewish children wear costumes during the Purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak, Israel, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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People wear zombie make-up and outfits in the 2013 Zombie Walk during the Purim festival in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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People wear zombie make-up in the 2013 Zombie Walk during the Purim festival in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Ultra Orthodox Jewish men looks at a boy dressed as a clown during the purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include, sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes' eating a festive meal; and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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An Ultra Orthodox Jewish youth dressed up plays with a Firecracker during the purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include, sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes' eating a festive meal; and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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An Ultra Orthodox Jewish youth dressed during the purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include, sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes' eating a festive meal; and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Ultra Orthodox Jewish men looks at a boy dressed as a car during the purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include, sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes' eating a festive meal; and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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A drunk Israeli man wearing a costume lies on the ground during a Purim party in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Israelis wear costumes at a Purim party in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Israelis wear costumes at a Purim party in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Israelis dance in costumes during a Purim party in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man dances while celebrating the Purim festival at a synagogue in the town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, late Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Israelis wear costumes as they dance during a Purim street party in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Israelis wear costumes as they dance during a Purim street party in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal and public celebration. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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An ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy wears a costume while celebrating the Purim festival at a synagogue in the town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, late Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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An Ultra Orthodox Jewish girl dressed wearing a costume crosses the street during the Purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak, Israel, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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An Ultra Orthodox Jewish boy wearing a costume, sits on a bench during the Purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak, Israel, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Ultra Orthodox Jewish children dressed in costumes run during the Purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak, Israel, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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People attend the Purim festival, seen through the glass door of the main synagogue in Bucharest, Romania on Saturday evening, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
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People attend the Purim festival at the main synagogue in Bucharest, Romania on Saturday evening Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
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Participants, some wearing costumes, attend the Purim festival at the main synagogue in Bucharest, Romania on Saturday evening, Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
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Children wear costumes during the Purim festival at the main synagogue in Bucharest, Romania on Saturday evening Feb. 23, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
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Young children of foreign migrant workers, wear masks as they march during a Purim parade in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes; eating a festive meal; and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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A masked man, dressed as a fisherman, looks at children of foreign migrant workers as they march during a Purim parade in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes; eating a festive meal; and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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A costume shop employee, dressed in costume to advertise the shop, eat his lunch, ahead of the upcoming Jewish holiday of Purim, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013. Israelis will mark Purim on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 remembering the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther with the full text being read aloud twice during the celebration, in the evening and again the following morning. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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A costume shop employee, dressed as batman, pulls a cart with a mannequin to advertise the shop, ahead of the upcoming Jewish holiday of Purim, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013. Israelis will mark Purim on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 remembering the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther -- with the full text being read aloud twice during the celebration, in the evening and again the following morning. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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A Young man of foreign migrant workers, wears makeup during a Purim parade in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity; dressing up in masks and costumes; eating a festive meal; and public celebration. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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A woman wearing zombie make-up and a wedding dress sit and speaks on the phone while waiting for a friend to join the 2012 Zombie Walk during the Purim festival in Tel Aviv, Israel,Tuesday, March 6, 2012. About 250 participants matched in central Tel Aviv during the annual Zombie Walk. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Israelis watch a Purim parade in Holon, Israel, Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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Israeli workers put a final touches on colorful floats, at the right is a face of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be used next week in Purim carnivals throughout the country, in a workshop near the central Israeli town of Kfar Saba, Monday, Feb. 27, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Israeli workers put a final touches on colorful floats to be used next week in Purim carnivals throughout the country, in a workshop near the central Israeli town of Kfar Saba, Monday, Feb. 27, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Male, children of foreign migrant workers , dressed as women march during a Purim parade in Tel Aviv, Israel,Tuesday, March 6, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Young children of foreign migrant workers, wear masks as they march during a Purim parade in Tel Aviv, Israel,Tuesday, March 6, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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An ultra-Orthodox Jewish child dressed in a traditional Purim costume walks in a street in the religious Mea Shearim neighborhood in Jerusalem, Tuesday, March 6, 2012. The festival of Purim commemorates the rescue of Jews from genocide in ancient Persia. (AP Photos/Bernat Armangue)
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An Ultra Orthodox Jewish girl dressed as a bride during purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, March. 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boys dressed for Purim festival in Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men read from the Scroll of Esther as a child is seen dressed in custom clothing to celebrate Purim, during Purim festival at a synagogue in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Ultra Orthodox Jewish sisters Simcha, left, and Miri dressed as dolls in a box wait for their mother to join in the celebration of the Purim festival in Bnei Brak, an Ultra Orthodox Jewish town near Tel Aviv, Israel,Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Miri, an Ultra Orthodox Jewish girl dressed as a doll in a box smiles while Ultra Orthodox Jewish men pass by during celebration of the Purim festival in Bnei Brak, an Ultra Orthodox Jewish town near Tel Aviv, Israel,Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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An Israeli soldier, left, secures the area while Jewish settlers participate in the annual parade marking the Jewish holiday of Purim in the divided West Bank town of Hebron, Thursday, March 8, 2012. The festival of Purim commemorates the rescue of Jews from genocide in ancient Persia. The Hebrew text reads "happiness forever". (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
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An Ultra Orthodox Jewish girl dressed as a bride during purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, March. 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Israeli dancers perform during a Purim parade in Holon, Israel, Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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Israeli dancers perform during a Purim parade festival in Holon, Israel, Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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Israeli dancers perform during a Purim parade festival in Holon, Israel, Thursday, March. 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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An Israeli boy in costume watches a Purim parade in Holon, Israel, Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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Israelis are seen dressed in costumes to celebrate the Purim festival in Jerusalem, Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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Israelis are seen reflected in a window as they are dressed in costumes to celebrate the Purim festival in Jerusalem, Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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Israelis dressed up in costumes are seen during a street party to mark the Jewish festival of Purim, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Israelis dressed up in costumes are seen during a street party to mark the Jewish festival of Purim, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Israelis dressed as prisoners are seen during a street party to mark the Jewish festival of Purim, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish youth dressed in costume is seen as another walks during the Purim festival in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem. Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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Israelis dressed as the characters in 'A Clockwork Orange' are seen during a street party to mark the Jewish festival of Purim, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, March. 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish children are seen dressed in costumes to celebrate the Purim festival in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem, Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boys dressed for Purim pose for a photograph during celebration of Purim festival in Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men read from the Scroll of Esther during the Purim festival at a synagogue in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem. Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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A child is seen dressed in a costume to celebrate during the Purim festival at a synagogue in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem, Thursday, March 8, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men celebrate the Purim festival at a synagogue in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem, Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
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Israelis dressed up in costumes are seen during a street party to mark the Jewish festival of Purim, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther.(AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
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Utra-orthodox Jewish men celebrate Purim inside a synagogue in Jerusalem, early Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
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Utra-orthodox Jewish men celebrate Purim inside a synagogue in Jerusalem, early Friday, March 9, 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)