traveller1959

Shalom, Israel experts. We plan to travel to Israel in March 2017. I have seen that there is Purim on 12/13 March, making it a long weekend.

We are wondering whether it is wise to include Purim into our time in Israel or not. We have to schedule our return flight between 10 and 15 March, so we have all choices.

Thank you for your answers.

Elkaz

Purim is a fun holiday. You'll see people in the street in costume--adults and children ( some start week in advance) There are street festivals in many cities. I love Purim in Israel. The only thing closed on Purim are schools and government offices. Buses etc. run normally.

The only time there are delays is when access to a given highway is partially blocked by street festivals. Than it takes longer than usual. I would definitely stay in Israel for Purim. Be aware that Jerusalem ( and other walled cities) celebrate Shushan Purim which takes place one day after regular Purim.

traveller1959

Thank you for your quick answer. We will probably be in Jerusalem on the day of Sushan Purim. We already checked the opening hours of museums and saw that the Israel museum will be open till 14:00 while Yad Vashem will be closed on holidays.

Does it mean that Yad Vashem will be closed on both days, the 12th and the 13th?

mbgg

I don't think that those museums consider Purim to be a "religious holiday" with regards to opening hours. I suggest that you email or phone both Museums to check the hours. If they are open they will be very crowded because Purim is a semi-holiday with public transport available.