Purim has always been one of my favorite holidays. The story of Purim is one of the most inspiring stories of the Hebrew Bible, not to mention the most exciting, filled with happening parties and a beauty contest. But most importantly, Megillat Esther, which I have studied in depth as part of my graduate studies in Bible, demonstrates the power of individuals to make difficult decisions to achieve a happy ending for Jews—and all humanity.
So today, as the modern day Haman—the leader of Iran—seeks to destroy, massacre and exterminate the Jewish people, we will prevail through our courageous action, guided by the belief, in the words of the Jewish savior Mordecai, “that relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another quarter.” Let the Jews and Israel be that “quarter.”
The Zionist Organization of America, Western Region has a slew of exciting events coming up that stand up to would-be Jewish persecutors, including our panel presentation in Orange County this Sunday on anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism on college campuses; two talks with the ZOA’s very own Morton Klein on March 21 & 22; and a special screening of student films coming out of Ariel University Center in association with the prestigious Israel Film Festival.