A “Legendary” Purim for Underprivileged Children

Purim is a wonderful holiday for children. And one of the greatest privileges we get to enjoy here at Vision for Israel is bringing the joy and magic of Purim to these dear young souls.

Not every child has the opportunity to share in the festivities with their loved ones, as many children in Israel face significant challenges and hardship due to poverty, and complicated home environments.

For the past several years, we’ve been supporting a particular school in Jerusalem that caters to the special needs of children just like this. And for this year’s Purim celebration, we decided to give the children a special treat.

This Purim, the school celebrated with the theme "Legendary Purim"—the children put together activity stations relating to legends. For example, one of them was building a card tower in the Alice in Wonderland station, another was walking in high heels along a course in the Cinderella station, and yet another was an all-you-can-eat experience in the Hensel and Gretel station.

At the end of each station, the children received prizes—and at the end of the day, they each left with a bag full of prizes, and a big smile on their faces.

Thanks to your heroic donations, we were able to provide a humorous, full-sensory magic show, which got the kids laughing, and taking part in the fun—a sight that moved us greatly. At the end of the show, the magician made each child a balloon hat.

Our hearts were especially warmed by the excitement of one boy, who we learned had been dealing with severe emotional problems. This was his first experience with the Purim celebration at the school. His enthusiasm grew with each station he completed, and he was visibly filled with joy at the magic show.

None of this could have been possible without your incredible generosity, our dear partners. Thank you for helping us put smiles on the faces of these children, and for giving them a glimmer of hope—and belief—this Purim.