When Purim parties go bad

POLICE and ambulances had to be called to a Purim house party in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs last Wednesday night, despite efforts by parents to stop under-age drinking.

Four security guards were employed to check all bags and stop alcohol getting into the party, and no alcohol was served inside, but the teenagers apparently drank before they arrived.

One person had to be taken to hospital from the party on Wentworth Road in Vaucluse.

The incident comes only a week after nine paramedics had to take five children to hospital and attend to 17 people at the scene of a Purim party in Melbourne.

A Rose Bay Police Station spokesperson told The AJN that when the five police cars arrived on the scene, there were more than 100 16 to 18-year-olds at the party.

She said many of those present were intoxicated.

A spokesperson from the Ambulance Service of NSW confirmed they attended the party and that one person was transported to hospital.

Several of the revellers are believed to be students at Moriah College. Acting principal John Hamey said that the school would never condone under-age drinking in any circumstances. “The college does not endorse, condone or encourage our students’ participation in under-age drinking and actively seeks to deliver a message through a range of programs that reinforces safe and responsible behaviour in accordance with the law,” Hamey said.

“Any breach of the college’s Code of Conduct is taken seriously by the college.”

Hatzolah’s Mendy Litzman said he attended several functions on Purim, including the house party, but no-one was seriously injured. “We had a few more incidents this year than in the past, but everyone turned out to be fine,” Litzman said. “It was mainly alcohol and not drugs.

“Obviously we don’t encourage drinking but no-one drove, no-one took drugs and everyone stayed safe.”

JOSHUA LEVI

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