Thousands of people took to the streets of the Israeli capital today to mark the annual festival of Purim . The holiday commemorates the foiling of a 5th century plot to annihilate all Jews in ancient Persian empire . In an attempt to prevent such attacks on Jewish communities around the world, Israel has been conducting military drills for several years now and is planning more this year.
Thousands of people took to the streets of the Israeli capital today to mark the annual festival of Purim . The holiday commemorates the foiling of a 5th century plot to annihilate all Jews in ancient Persian empire . Celebrations have been held around the world , including London , with children encouraged to wear fancy dress .