Jerusalem Purim Revelers Defy Wartime Curfew as Iran Missiles Continue

Thousands of costumed Purim celebrants in Jerusalem defied military orders banning public gatherings, dancing in the streets of the Nachlaot neighborhood even as Iran continued launching ballistic missiles at Israel. Police made repeated failed attempts to disperse the crowd, blaring sirens through packed streets before finally succeeding around 10:30 p.m. after someone seized the speaker system; six people were arrested at a separate party. The holiday, which commemorates ancient Jewish victory over Persian persecution, took on symbolic resonance as celebrations coincided with Israel's ongoing military conflict with Iran.