Purim is a celebration of the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther.

Performers take part in an annual parade for Purim in Holon
Performers take part in an annual parade for the Jewish holiday of Purim in the Israeli city of Holon, near Tel Aviv March 20, 2011. Purim is a celebration of the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. REUTERS
Performers take part in an annual parade for Purim in Holon
Performers take part in an annual parade for the Jewish holiday of Purim in the Israeli city of Holon, near Tel Aviv March 20, 2011. Purim is a celebration of the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. REUTERS
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men dance while celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim at a synagogue in Bnei Brak
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men dance while celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim at a synagogue in Bnei Brak early morning March 20, 2011. Purim is a celebration of the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. REUTERS
Hassidic Jews celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim in Jerusalems Mea Shearim neighbourhood
Hassidic Jews celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood March 21, 2011. Purim is a celebration of the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. REUTERS
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boys wear costumes during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Purim in Jerusalems Mea Shearim neighbourhood
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boys wear costumes during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Purim in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighbourhood March 21, 2011. Purim is a celebration of the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. REUTERS
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