For the Ukrainian refugee children currently staying at KKL-JNF’s Nes Harim Field and Forest Center, Purim this year was a joyous and colorful celebration. The youngsters enjoyed themselves in a variety of different ways: with inflatables, on trampolines, and with makeup and handicrafts. They took part in a competition for the best Purim costume, and, of course, participated in reading the Biblical Book of Esther.
“Purim in Israel is a happy, fun holiday,” observed 17-year-old Lola. “In Ukraine, far fewer people celebrated, and here everything is much bigger.”
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Until the war broke out, these children were living in a Chabad residential facility in Zhitomir. They arrived in Israel about two weeks ago, after a perilous and exhausting journey. KKL-JNF will host them at the Nes Harim center for a month.
“We’re glad to celebrate together with them, and we’re doing our best to give them the most fun Purim possible,” said Nes Harim Director Gili Maimon.
Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, rabbi of Zhitomir’s Jewish community, donned a ridiculously colorful tie and a funny hat and celebrated merrily together with the children. “The Book of Esther is the first text in which the People of Israel are referred to as ‘Jews,’” he said. “Today we are united and we have come together – the children of Zhitomir and local youngsters from around here – because all Israel is one nation. That’s what the Purim holiday means: it’s a day that unites us all.”
Nine-year-old Noya Tamarov had arrived from Gedera to celebrate with the Ukrainian children and help her mother organize a handicrafts activity. “I haven’t been able to fall asleep all week because I’ve been so excited about meeting the children,” she said. “I know it’s hard for them, because there’s a war on and they can’t go home. But I’m glad they’ve come to a good place where they can have fun.”
Fifteen-year-old Rafi told us that his friends in Ukraine were now dispersed among several different countries, and said that he was glad to have come to Israel. “It’s good for people to unite in times of trouble and help one another,” he explained.
“It’s fun to celebrate here, but we haven’t forgotten the people who stayed behind in Ukraine,” said Michael (9) somberly. He was wearing a cowboy costume, and throughout the day he made repeated attempts to lasso his companions.
“It’s such fun here,” said Artium, summing up his experiences. “Happy Purim everyone!”