Wishing Hackney a happy and safe Purim

That means the streets around Stamford Hill will be busier than normal as people celebrate one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. 

Purim commemorates a story from the Book of Esther, where the Jewish people were saved from a threatened massacre in the ancient Persian Empire. The celebrations include extravagant costumes, the exchanging of gift baskets, performances, and a feast.

On behalf of everyone at Hackney Council, I extend our well wishes to everyone celebrating Purim in Hackney and beyond.

Purim is one of the most colourful events in the calendar, and I also hope that this year’s celebrations bring joy to the rest of the borough.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor and Lead Cabinet Member for Faith„“

I wish everyone a happy Purim, and hope that everyone celebrating has a safe and joyful time during the festival

As always, there will be additional Police and Council Community Safety Officers in the Stamford Hill area as we know that the streets will be busy. We encourage everyone to take care when planning their transport this weekend and to be considerate of others while enjoying the celebrations.

Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services„“

Purim is an appropriate and auspicious time to encourage unity and to bring joy and happiness to oneself and to others.  I wish everyone in Hackney and beyond a happy and meaningful Purim, and trust that those celebrating will mark the occasion in this spirit.

I would also encourage our neighbours in Hackney who don't know about Purim to learn more about what is a joyous occasion in the Jewish calendar; when people dress up, eat with family and friends, send gifts of immediately edible food and drink, give extra charity to needy individuals, go to the Synagogue to say special prayers and  listen to the reading of the scroll of Esther, which recounts the story of Purim and informs us how the day should be remembered and celebrated.

Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE

During Purim, the Council and partners, including the Metropolitan Police, encourage everyone to think about their safety and be considerate of others. 

• Please think about if you need to drive or if you can use alternative transport, such as walking, cycling or public transport
• Do not drink and drive
• Please keep the volume of all music to respectful levels at all times and ensure trucks emitting music are not parked in front of residential property
• Please do not play loud music or sound car horns after 10 pm. Residents who wish to make a noise complaint can go to https://hackney.gov.uk/noise or contact the Council’s Enforcement Service on 0208 356 4455. The line will be open until midnight on both nights
• If you intend to use flatbed trucks to carry passengers on the back, ensure they have the required safety equipment to protect your passengers, and that your driving licence allows you to carry passengers in this way, and your vehicle insurance and any hire agreements cover this use of the truck
• Please drive and park respectfully so that vehicles can pass each other and are in compliance with relevant parking restrictions
• Please do not wear costumes or make-up that could be offensive to other communities. 
• ‘Blackface’ (the practice of colouring any part of the face or body in black or brown make-up to look like a member of that community) is highly offensive to the Black community.
• Hanging of Haman: Racist groups have previously used a noose and hanging doll to threaten, intimidate and murder Black people. We should avoid it.