Battalion commander read passage from Torah while wearing clown hat, as other soldiers began firing randomly, according to Israeli public broadcaster

Get your party on; Purim is almost here! The holiday is one of the most joyous and fun on the Jewish calendar, complete with everything from feasts to costumes to wine, all in honor of Queen Esther and her loyal cousin Mordecai rescuing the Jews from slaughter in the Persian Empire.

An Israeli takes part in a parade celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim near Modi'in, Israel on March 14, 2025. Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot during the reign of the ancient Persian Empire, according to the Biblical Book of Esther. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)