Trending Now - Israelis Seek Shelter During Purim Amid Security Threats
WHO:
President Trump pledged support for Iran’s anti-government protesters in early January 2026.
Daphna Lustig, a writer in her 40s, resides in Tel Aviv.
Robyn Isberg, originally from Boston, is in her 20s and was in Tel Aviv during Purim.
Taylor Sanchez, who moved to Israel from Orlando, Florida, two and a half years ago.
Sophie Leb, originally from Florida, set up a tent in the Dizengoff Center mall.
Mariel Margulis, a Tel Aviv resident, attended Purim celebrations with her husband and 6-month-old son, Amichai.
Daniel Margulis, Mariel's husband.
Elysa Rapoport, a Tel Aviv resident who works in investments, attended with her daughters.
Gabi Grinshtain, a 39-year-old environmental consultant.
WHAT:
Israelis gathered in bomb shelters to mark the Purim holiday as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks.
Iran fired dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel starting on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
A February poll by the Institute for National Security Studies found that 78% of Israelis consider Iran the most worrying public security issue.
50.5% of those surveyed voiced support for an independent Israeli strike even if a nuclear agreement was reached between the US and Iran.
Purim celebrations included a reading of the Purim story and a live band with dancing in bomb shelters.
WHERE:
Tel Aviv, Israel, specifically Dizengoff Square and the Dizengoff Center mall.
Jerusalem, where Purim celebrations traditionally start a day later in ancient walled cities.
WHEN:
Purim holiday began on Monday evening, March 2, 2026.
Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
The Hamas-led attack on Israel occurred on October 7, 2023.
WHY:
The celebrations were disrupted due to the ongoing conflict with Iran and the threat of missile attacks.
The Israeli public is generally supportive of the military campaign against Iran.
HOW:
Israelis utilized bomb shelters and safe rooms to celebrate Purim amidst security threats.
Families dressed in costumes and created makeshift living areas in bomb shelters, such as setting up tents in parking garages.
As tensions escalate, President Trump pledged support for Iran’s anti-government protesters earlier this year, while Israelis gathered in bomb shelters to celebrate Purim amid fears of missile attacks from Iran, which began firing dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel last Saturday. The Purim festivities, which kicked off on Monday evening, included traditional readings and dancing, all taking place in makeshift living areas set up in bomb shelters, as many families sought safety during the celebrations. A recent poll revealed that 78% of Israelis view Iran as their top security concern, with over half supporting an independent military strike against Iran, even if a nuclear agreement is reached with the U.S.