Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) reveals rare archive photos from festive Purim celebrations during the British Mandate era and the early years of the state. In honor of the holiday, KKL-JNF shares photographs of Purim celebrations in the Land of Israel and abroad from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Even before the establishment of the state, the people of the Land of Israel prepared for weeks with costumes, decorations and displays, for the Purim parade – the carnival that was first named Adloyada in 1932. In Jerusalem, the festivities were expressed through elaborate costumes and magnificent gates, and hundreds of city residents – young and old participated.
Jews around the world also dressed up to celebrate the holiday.. Among the rare photos, one can see festive Purim costumes from Egypt and Germany where children dressed as the iconic KKL-JNF blue box – a Zionist symbol like no other.
Efrat Sinai, director of KKL-JNF Archives: "We are proud to present a glimpse of the joy of the Purim holiday as captured over the decades through the lenses of the cameras of KKL-JNF photographers and members of Jewish communities in the Diaspora. Although the photos were taken in black and white, you can immediately feel the festive atmosphere and the dedication in preparing the costumes, all of which are handmade. It is always moving to remember how they celebrated this special holiday here and abroad back then, just like today."
Israel Melamed in a KKL-JNF costume, Alexandria, Egypt, 1920. Photo courtesy of the Melamed family, Kfar Bin Nun, KKL-JNF Photo Archive.
A girl dressed up as the KKL-JNF Blue Box on Purim, Germany, 1950. Photo: KKL-JNF Photo Archive.
Purim parade at Horev School, Jerusalem, 1950. Photo: Yitzhak Bardi, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Adloyada celebrations in Jerusalem, 1950. Photo: KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Adloyada celebrations in Jerusalem, 1957 Photo: Sima Zelig, KKL-JNF Photo Archive.
Adloyada celebrations in Jerusalem, 1957. KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Adloyada celebrations in Jerusalem, 1959. Photo: Sima Zelig, KKL-JNF Photo Archive.