Purim & the Gulf War – An Oral History

The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrated the defeat of the wicked Haman and the victory of Esther and Mordechai. Back in 1991, Saddam Hussein of Iraq shot Scud missiles into Israel. The Gulf War ended on Purim and the similarities were not lost on those who lived through the gas masks, safe rooms, and rocket attacks. Here from those who lived through it in their own words in this special Purim podcast.

Thank you to the participants who appear in the following order:

• Reb Yankala Shemesh

• Haim Roman

• Mordechai Fisher

• Raz TelChai

• Gidon Ariel

• Moti Lieberman

• Dov Lipman

Be sure to check out my corresponding article in the Jerusalem Post.

An American soldier joins a Purim celebration on the streets of Israel as the Gulf War ends. February 1991. Credit: Alex Levac, IDF Archive.

Children remove protective plastic sheets from the window as the Gulf War ends. Credit: Michael Zarfati, IDF Archives.

Family sits with gas masks in the sealed room during the 1991 Gulf War. Credit: Michael Zarfati, IDF Archive.

New Jewish-Ethiopian immigrants with their protective kits against chemical warfare at Ben Gurion airport. Credit: Nathan Alpert, Israeli Government Press Office, February 1991.

Patriot missile launcher in Tel Aviv. Nathan Alpert, GPO. February 1991.

A child peeks into an infant chemical warfare protective box MAMAT used during the Gulf War. For more information on the MAMAT see here.

NOTES:

• The Gulf War, 1991 From Gas Masks to Purim Masks - Times of Israel

• Israelis Mark Purim to End of Gulf War - Sun Sentinel

• Purim Garb Inspired by Gulf War - JTA

• Isaac Stern concert goes on despite rocket attacks - JTA

• Purim miracles: From Saddam and beyond by Michael Freund - Jerusalem Post

• Rebbe Predicted War’s End by Purim - JTA

• Fast of Esther Prayers Said for Sparing Israel - JTA

• Gulf War Miracles - Aish HaTorah

• Purim Saddam - Chabad

• Rout of Haman, Hussein Celebrated As Israelis Put Away Their Gas Masks - JTA