Belgian police ask Jewish community to avoid Purim masks, cancel festivities

[karynnj]

33. This seems pretty reasonable to me -- and it doesn't greatly impact the ability to celebrate Purim

I am Jewish and attended many Purim events at various synagogues, mostly in NJ. Very very few people wore masks. Most little girls, recycled whatever Disney Princess dress they had or any other pretty costume dress -- and they became Esther. Many others wore various costumes, some related to the Purim story many not. Many used face paint. There were not many masks. Especially, I recall NO adults wearing masks. Not to mention, even in areas of NJ with a pretty high percent Jewish population, costumes were absolutely not worn throughout towns, rather just as Jewish centers and at synagogues.

At a point where there is fear in a community, I would assume that no one would think it prudent to dress up with their face hidden by masks. You could note that - IF someone wanted to wear a mask in a synagogue, they could bring it with them and in the building put it on. I suspect that, especially given the fact that the terrorists have targeted Jews, that synagogues themselves would NOT want masked people entering the building.

The idea that this is why Jews have left is absurd.