Ynet:

A Safed Rabbi on Sunday issued an edict banning the use of firecrackers during the Purim festive day this week.Rabbi David Lakhiani of the Kabbalh town explained his decision saying: �Over the last few years, as the rabbi of the local hospital, I met parents whose children lost an eye or a finger because of firecrackers exploding near them over Purim. Few days ago, I visited a kid suffering from burns in the waist area caused by firecrackers he had placed in his pocket. These events have Halachic repercussions.� Lakhiani added that according to Jewish law one should avoid endangering his and other people�s lives. �It is forbidden for men to injure themselves or others in any way and I think these firecrackers are dangerous and endanger children�s lives and the Halacha proves my words,� he said.The rabbi recalled a service over the last year when he heard an explosion inside the synagogue. �We have to listen to every word of the scroll, if we do not do so we won�t be able to fulfill our religious duty. A synagogue is not a battle field, it is a sanctified place and I hope that the Halacha edict will save us injuries and let us enjoy the festive day,� Lakhiani said.The rabbi added that as alcohol is banned for sale to teenagers under 18 years of age, a similar law should be passed to control the sales of firecrackers to teenagers �who do not understand the great danger they are exposed to during the most joyous festive day in Israel.�