Take a look at what's going on in Israel’s bomb shelters

Large numbers of anti-Israel commenters on social media are jeering as Iranian rockets are raining down on the Jewish state, blasting Israelis for “hiding in bunkers” or words to that effect. However, they might be surprised to find out what’s actually happening inside of them.

It’s an oddity that Israel has bomb shelters in just about every building by law, while most Arab nations have none. In some ways it says a lot about who feels more under threat, and also reflects something of the priorities of the nation’s leadership. Whatever the reason may be, Jewish and Arab Israelis are indeed taking shelter, and have been spending a lot of time in safe spaces underground since war with Iran broke out this past weekend.

Israel took the opportunity to strike while key leaders were meeting together in Tehran on Shabbat Zachor, the Saturday before Purim, inevitably drawing Iran’s ire and hundreds of ballistic rockets were soon making their way across the Middle East in retaliation.

But Israelis are known for their festive spirit, and with the Jewish calendar centered on feasting, it’s no surprise that Purim celebrations have continued despite the circumstances.

Last year, there were worship sessions in communal shelters as groups of visiting Christians broke out in song. This year, too, Israeli worshippers Emmanuel Roro and Shai Sol have posted songs sung from underground expressing their trust and faith in God.

There have been “megilah readings” where the whole scroll of Esther is read aloud to a gathered group, often in fancy dress for Purim, and full on parties that look like a Brazilian carnival.

Even more remarkably, some big life steps have been taken in safety shelters in this time of war, with a couple getting married underground, celebrating with strangers.

And a little girl took her own first steps in another bomb shelter, much to the delight of all the neighbors who were sheltering together.

There have been countless memes coming out about life in and out of bomb shelters providing some comedy gold, as Israelis are making light and joking to cheer each other up in the dark times.

The taunts may come from detractors about running and hiding but from here it looks like a defiant determination to celebrate and love life, even in the midst of war. Far from cowering in fear, many are appreciating the blessings of bomb shelters and also of having a Jewish state which can finally protect its people after years of exile.

“The Jews were scattered, vulnerable, living under a regime that called for their destruction. Their survival depended on unity and a hidden miracle. Today, the threat again comes from Persia. But this time is different,” one Israeli posted on Instagram.

“We are not powerless in exile. We have Israel. We have sovereignty. We have the ability to defend ourselves. Purim was survival in exile. This is survival with a state. Am Yisrael Chai!”