The festive Jewish holiday of Purim, which begins on the evening of March 2, 2024, serves as a powerful reminder to combat antisemitism, according to community advocate Sue Winthrop. Celebrated during the month of Adar, Purim holds deep historical significance and promotes themes of courage and resistance against oppression.
Historically, Purim commemorates events from the Persian Empire of the 4th century BCE. The story unfolds with King Ahasuerus, who, after executing or banishing his wife, Queen Vashti, holds a beauty contest to find a new queen. The chosen one, Esther, conceals her Jewish identity. Her cousin, Mordechai, defies the new Prime Minister Haman, who harbors a deadly vendetta against the Jewish people. Haman convinces the king to issue a decree for the extermination of Jews on the 13th of Adar.
In a bold move, Queen Esther invites both the king and Haman to a feast, risking her life to reveal her identity and plead for her people. Her bravery leads to Haman’s downfall and the salvation of the Jewish community, making Purim a joyous occasion celebrated with feasting, costumes, and the reading of the Book of Esther. During this reading, attendees often drown out Haman’s name with noise makers, symbolizing the fight against hatred and bigotry.
Winthrop reflects on her childhood memories of the holiday, filled with joyous celebrations, costumes, and traditional foods like Hamantaschen, cookies shaped like Haman’s hat. Yet, as she celebrates, she expresses concern about contemporary issues of hatred and discrimination.
She points to troubling developments in U.S. politics, particularly under the influence of individuals such as Stephen Miller, a senior advisor known for implementing strict immigration policies. Winthrop highlights Miller’s Jewish heritage, noting that his ancestors escaped persecution, which compounds her disappointment in his actions regarding deportations and ICE tactics.
Winthrop states, “To me, Haman stands for hatred everywhere,” drawing parallels between historical oppression and modern-day injustices. She urges fellow Americans to embody the courage of Esther, advocating for compassion and resistance against divisive policies.
“Who in this administration will be courageous as Esther was?” she questions, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the ongoing challenges of discrimination and hatred. Winthrop encourages peaceful protests, community dialogue, and voting as essential tools to combat these issues.
As Purim approaches, the celebration serves as both a reminder of past struggles and a call to action against current injustices. Winthrop’s reflections underscore the importance of standing against all forms of hatred and fostering a society that values diversity and inclusion.
