Purim in Israel in 1928

Three rare archival photos documenting Purim celebrations in the Land of Israel during the 1920s have been unveiled from the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) photo archive. They offer a captivating look at children celebrating the holiday in the Land of Israel long before costumes became a booming industry.

Taken during a time when the streets were filled with thousands of people, these photos offer a glimpse into a more intimate and creative Purim experience.

Captured by Shmuel Joseph Schweig, one of the most well-known photographers of the Yishuv during the early years of Zionist life in Israel, they also showcase the vibrant spirit of the era.

In the first photo, taken in March 1928, a young child is dressed as a sailor, wearing a uniform and hat. The costume represents a KKL-JNF ship, symbolizing the arrival of Jewish people to the shores of the land.

Another image shows a child dressed as a citrus tree, a strong symbol of Israeli and Zionist identity. The costume is crafted from leaves and branches and adorned with real oranges, creating a striking visual representation of the connection between the land and its people.

The third, taken in 1926, captures two children: one dressed in a split costume with one half in black and the other in white, and the second child wearing a dress decorated with Jewish symbols, including Stars of David and boxes from KKL-JNF.

“These photos provide a fascinating historical window, not only into Purim celebrations but also into the early days of Israeli society,” says Efrat Sinai, head of the archives department at KKL-JNF. 

“They show how both children and adults created colorful, imaginative celebrations with the limited resources available to them, long before costume stores or a commercial industry surrounded the holiday,” she said.    — JNS