The Roquette synagogue, located in Paris's 11th arrondissement. PASCAL DELOCHE/ PHOTONONSTOP VIA AFP
Suddenly, a tremendous uproar shattered the devout silence in the Roquette synagogue in Paris on Monday evening, March 2. The congregation, smiling and joyful, some in costume, stamped their feet, spun noisemakers and let out small cries. In keeping with Purim tradition, every time the name "Haman," the high-ranking official of the Persian Empire who tried to destroy the Jewish people, was mentioned during the reading of the Book of Esther, noise was made to blot out his memory. Purim celebrates the victory of Queen Esther, the Jewish wife of the Persian King Ahasuerus, over this grand vizier and the salvation of her people. On this evening, worshippers rejoiced, greeted one another, gathered with family and friends and exchanged gifts.
Behind their smiles, however, many present on Rue de la Roquette on Monday admitted to feeling anxious. On Saturday, February 28, it was at the synagogue that some learned of the coordinated attack by the United States and Israel against Iran – while observing Shabbat without access to their phones, radios or computers. It was also there that they heard about rockets fired by the Shiite regime at Israel in retaliation. "Many people, myself included, were in tears, overcome with worry," said Juliette, 75, who asked to remain anonymous, as did others quoted by first name.
