Israelis stamped, whistled, shouted and twirled noise-makers during the traditional celebrations of Purim all over the country yesterday, but there seemed to be more bitterness than playfulness in their mood. The loudest noise–an Israeli version of the “Bronx Cheer”–came not at the mention of the wicked Haman but of the “Haman-tax,” the levy King Ahasuerus of Persia imposed on his over-burdened subjects.
In that manner, Israelis let off steam against the new surprise tax package imposed by the government this week. The new measures which include a 7.5 percent sales tax, a 7.5 percent payroll tax and a 20 percent hike in postal services had a noticeably dampening affect on Purim festivities. While children cavorted on the streets in variegated costumes oblivious to economic hard times, their elders found it difficult to enter spontaneously into the spirit of the occasion. There was many a sober face to be seen and the Purim carnivals were relatively muted.
The sole exception was in Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox Mea Shearim quarter where streamer-bedecked floats with mini-orchestras moved through the narrow streets jam-packed with merrymakers.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
