REPRINTED FROM THE YWN ARCHIVES:
Ever wonder about the story behind a picture? Well, this is this picture’s story.
Standing near a car with a group of friends on Purim afternoon, in the Ave. N and East 20′s vicinity (Flatbush), my brother suddenly felt something hit his face. While trying to knock off the unknown object, he began to feel a burning sensation on his right cheek below his right eye. Not knowing what had hit him (quite literally), he followed his friends urgings to wash his face with cold water. As he applied cold compresses, the story emerged.
What happened? A smoke bomb was carelessly thrown at him by a young child.
The result? What you see in the picture – A burn the size of a quarter about half a centimeter from his eye.
YES, IN AN ACT STEMMING FROM A COMPLETE LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY, MY BROTHER WAS NEARLY BLINDED THIS PURIM!!
We read notices all the time warning of the dangers caused by drinking. Often, we shrug our shoulders; “I’m a responsible adult” or “My child knows to be careful”. Parents, do you really know what your child is playing with on Purim?!?! Boys, do you know what you’re playing with on Purim? I know it’s hard to think seriously when you’re trying to have a good time, but you may be toying with somebody’s life. Are you prepared to carry the responsibility? Since when did Purim become a free-for-all for one to do all kinds of dangerous activities? Did I miss something in learning the Halachos and Hanhagos of Purim?
I’m not one to stand up and make mecha’os, but in a matter of Pikuach Nefesh, I felt the need to write this letter. It’s true that my brother was saved b’chasdei Hashem. But next time it may be someone you know, and it may not end the same way. I hope you’re not shrugging your shoulders as you do every other time while reading such a letter. After seeing this picture and reading the story behind it, I really don’t know how you could.
Wishing you all a Gut Voch and a safer and happier Purim next year in Yerushalayim!
Note: Immediately following the accident, my brother announced that he is mochel the boy who hurt him. He is grateful to the Ribono Shel Olam for sparing his eye and does not wish to carry with him hekpedos on anybody.
Name withheld upon request.
NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of YWN.
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One Response
The simple reaction to this is utter disgust. Of course, the obvious things are the responsibility of the parent, the near miss of a terrible tragedy, etc. I cry for something else. I weep for the destruction of the Yom Tov of Purim. Yes, destruction. Since when has the shooting of fireworks become part of Simchas Purim? It has long occupied a place in goyishe celebrations, their new year, and other secular holidays. But in a Simcha like Purim? I thought the victory over the forces of Amalek was being celebrated, not the inclusion of foreign values.
Not only should responsible parents stop allowing their children to be involved in this, but I believe our obligation goes much farther. I want everyone dealing these dangerous things to be arrested and prosecuted. If someone is doing these forms of dangerous shtick on my block, I will call police, Shomrim, or whatever it will take to stop it. Playing with fire is neither OK, nor is it permitted for “simcha” purposes.
Somehow, Purim has become equated with the elimination of barriers and restrictions. That, I believe, completely destroys what a heilige Yom Tov is meant to be.