Purim masks (illustration)
Purim masks (illustration)iStock

Prepare your costumes and your nerves: On Friday morning, a massive street party is scheduled to take place in Tel Aviv’s HaMedina Square.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to participate in the “Purim Rave” causing road blocks and heavy traffic in the area. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue until 6:00 p.m.

From 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. the following streets will be closed:

  • Hei be-Iyar St. (HaMedina Square)
  • Weizmann St. – from Pinkas St. to Arlozorov St. in both directions
  • Jabotinsky St. – from Namir Road to Ibn Gabirol St. in both directions
  • Pinkas St. – from Ibn Gabirol St. to Namir Rd. in both directions
  • Lipski St. – from Pinkas St. to HaMedina Sq.
  • Arieh Akiva St. – from Pinkas to HaMedina Sq.
  • Helsinki St. – from Arlozorov St. to Jabotinsky St.
  • Moshe Sharet St.
  • Remez St. – from Arlozorov St. to HaMedina Sq
  • Tashah St. – from Arlozorov St. to HaMedina Sq

According to the Police, if necessary, Namir Road (from Pinkas St. to Sderot Shaul Hamelech) may also close in both directions. Drivers are advised to stay updated with the Waze application, as blocked roads will be marked through the app.

During the event, parking will be prohibited from 6 a.m. Parked vehicles will be towed. Police ask the public to avoid the use of vehicles on the blocked roads and streets.

Police stress that entrance to the compound will be prohibited to people with weapons, animals (except guide dogs), bicycles and electric bicycles, cans, bottles or other objects that could endanger public safety. For other relevant information regarding the event, please contact Israel’s Police Center by dialing 110, or the Municipality of Tel Aviv at 106.

Jerusalem celebrations in Nachlaot and Mahane Yehuda Market

Jerusalemites will celebrate Shushan Purim on Friday. The entrance to Bar Ilan junction in Jerusalem will be permitted only for public transport. Police Traffic Division will direct vehicles in nearby streets. It is recommended to go to alternative roads such as the Begin Highway.

Police are asking the public to act in accordance with the law and regulations, to abide by the instructions of the officers, to take all necessary precautions, increase alertness and contact the police if necessary.

Near the Mahane Yehuda market and Nachlaot traditional street parties are expected to take place starting from noon, and therefore are likely to cause traffic jams in the area. Those coming to celebrate are recommended to parked at the Beit Hachayal (Soldier House) or the HaLe’om parking lots, and then walk.

During the holiday, Jerusalem Police will increase routine service and security forces to allow various events to take place throughout the city, especially at malls, shopping centers, recreation areas and more. In addition was increased monitoring will be placed against the sale and possession of "dangerous toys," driving under the influence of alcohol and selling alcohol to minors.

Stationary and mobile checkpoints will be placed at the entrances to the city and traffic routes. The Police’s 100 hotline will be enhanced to respond to emergency requests, as well as the national police by dialing 110 from any phone, for current information.