Hillel launches online petition against Iran

Hillel is urging petitioners to make noise over Purim about the threat from Iran. The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life launched an online petition urging the U.S. government to work with allies in tightening sanctions against Iran. Timed to coincide with Sunday’s Purim holiday, the petition, available at www.hillel.org/grogger, recalls the holiday’s celebration of Jewish triumph over an ancient Persian threat. “Today, the Jewish people and the State of Israel again face a threat from Iran and its president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,” says an explanation on the Web site. “He has denied the Holocaust and called for the destruction of Israel — while pursuing nuclear ambitions.” The Web site’s name, grogger, refers to the noisemakers used on Purim to drown out the name of the ancient Persian villain, Haman.