Sirens replace celebrations as Israelis head to shelters on religious holiday

Israelis Shift Focus from Festivity to Safety on Purim

On a typical Purim day in Tel Aviv, the streets of Dizengoff Square would be alive with festive energy. Costumes and festive attire fill the streets, and rooftop gatherings echo with music as residents celebrate into the night. Tel Aviv, often called ‘the city that never stops,’ fully embraces its reputation during this vibrant time. This year, however, the atmosphere was markedly different. As the holiday began Monday evening, the square remained eerily silent, a stark contrast to the usual revelry.

The recent Israel-US strike on Iran had transformed the city’s rhythm. Streets were nearly empty, with only a few individuals in incomplete costumes lingering at outdoor cafes. Closed shops and vacant sidewalks created an unusual backdrop for the holiday. Many who stepped outside found themselves pausing to listen for the distant wail of air raid sirens, which interrupted the fleeting moments of sunlight.

“If this was a normal Purim, you wouldn’t have been able to move here,” remarked Daphna Lustig, a Tel Aviv-based writer. Her words were soon interrupted by a Home Front Command notification, swiftly emptying the square of its few attendees.

The ongoing conflict has made such drills second nature for Israelis. Nearly two and a half years of hostilities have conditioned the public to the sound of sirens, which now punctuate daily life. Since Hamas’s assault on October 7, 2023, the nation has endured rocket fire from Gaza, missile threats from Hezbollah, and drones launched by Iran and the Houthis in Yemen.

“I feel calmer than during all the previous rounds,” said Robyn Isberg, a Boston native in Tel Aviv. “The atmosphere is less grim. The Iran war last summer felt like a survival test – we had to be ready in seconds, packing essentials into backpacks. It’s hard to say if it’s resilience or just the new normal that’s eased the tension.”

A February survey by the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies revealed 78% of Israelis view Iran as the most pressing security threat. Among those surveyed, 50.5% supported a standalone Israeli military action even if a nuclear deal was finalized with the US. This growing concern was fueled by weeks of anticipation following President Donald Trump’s backing of Iran’s anti-government protests in January.

While some Israelis have adapted to the routine of conflict, others still feel its weight. Taylor Sanchez, who relocated from Orlando, Florida, two and a half years ago, shared her Purim plans despite the disruption. “I had my costume ready at home,” she noted, “and even without the celebrations, I wanted to go out. It’s a way to reclaim normalcy.”

“This time, unlike before, we knew it was coming for weeks,” Sophie Leb, another Florida native, explained. “It’s almost like – finally, the anxiety is over. But my body still reacts to every noise, training itself to the constant threat. It’s tough, but we’ve learned to cope.”

Despite the familiarity with sirens, public sentiment remains largely aligned with the military campaign. Yet, as the war stretches on, some worry about rising frustration. San Bleicher, a Tel Aviv resident, warned, “At some point, I believe people will lose patience, just like before, if they feel the targets are no longer meaningful. Still, for now, I think this war is the right move – a chance for Israel to assert itself in the region.”