The Jewish month of Adar is a joyful and auspicious time for the Jewish nation, and school children across Israel kick off the month by dressing up in costume and participating in festive celebrations.

In essence, the revelry is a preview to the upcoming mega-holiday of Purim, the commemoration of a course of events that unmasked a hidden foe and saved the Jews during the Achaemenid Persian Empire.

Our friends at United Hatzalah of Israel helped us start the month off right by dressing up some of the oldest residents at ADI’s residential and rehabilitative center in Jerusalem, young adults with severe complex disabilities, as first responders and working with them to create colorful masks to wear on Purim.

While the United Hatzalah representatives gave equal time to everyone, they set aside some special time to speak to our young women about how women are the secret strength of their first responder team – just like Queen Esther, the heroine of the Purim story.

Thank you so much for a wonderful day and for setting an empowering example for our young women, United Hatzalah!