Of all the jovial events with which the holiday of Purim is identified, perhaps the most popular is a satiric theatrical play known as the Purim-shpiel. For generations, Jews have marked this festive day by attending either professional or amateur productions in which reality becomes topsy-turvy, and everything is considered fair game in pursuit of mirth and levity. Yet, if one considers what has transpired in the Middle East since the start of the Oslo Accords, it is not the Jews, but rather the Arab world that has staged an unparalleled Purim-shpiel.



Artfully masking their true intentions by masquerading as Israel's 'peace partners', Arab leaders have succeeded in convincing a majority of the nations (and the obtuse prime minister of Israel) that they no longer wish to annihilate the Jewish State. Led by their star performer, the late and unlamented PLO chief terrorist Yasser Arafat (let us give the devil his due, as his performance earned him a Nobel Peace Prize), one after another of Israel's sworn Arab enemies have suddenly became baalei t'shuva (penitents). They agree to live 'side by side' with Israel if - and here's the rub - the so-called 'Palestinians' will be given a state. Not just any state, mind you, but one with contiguous territory. That means Israeli retreat to the l967 borders. (Other players in this bizarre production, such as Hamas and their compatriot murderous ilk, demand a retreat to pre-l948 borders.) Of course, this peaceful (sic) "Palestinian State" must have Jerusalem as its capital.



One can only imagine the incredulous look on the face of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak when the wily Arafat related that Israel would be willing to make insane concessions, if only he and all the other Arab leaders would continue to play the part of peacemakers. Thus, Egypt (which, thanks to divine intervention and our heroic IDF, was not able to "drive the Jews into the sea") has become the 'peace negotiator' between Israel and the 'Palestinians'. Mubarak's acting talents have even persuaded Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the fearless warrior, to allow (among other suicidal concessions he is making) Egyptian soldiers to patrol strategic areas vital to the security of our Jewish State.



The Arab Purim-shpiel, however, does not end there.



The script calls for a "two-state solution", as ordered by US President George Bush, Director of this Theatre of the Absurd. Furthermore, the script says, in order for peace to flourish between Jews and Arabs, thus creating a 'happy ending' in the Middle East, other demands by our so-called 'peace partners' must be met: Israel must release all Arab terrorist prisoners; Israel must uproot all the Jews from Gaza, Judea and Samaria from their homes, and leave all their property for the 'Palestinians'; and Israel must allow the return of all of the so-called 'Palestinian refugees' (albeit, there was no Arab state of Palestine from which they were made refugees).



In the Megillah of Esther, which is read in synagogues throughout the world since the original Purim centuries ago, it is recorded that the evil plans of Haman, the arch-Jew-hater, were miraculously overturned and, instead, descended upon him. Today, too, we pray that the Almighty, blessed be His holy name, will cause the evil designs of Israel's Arab enemies (disguised as they are in a Purim-shpiel) to be overturned - and instead, descend upon them.