Webster never heard of “Iranic,” nor would it occur to us before the ironic paradox of Ahmadinejad’s demonic plans and his moronic Holocaust mocking cartoons.

Indeed, Ahmadinejad’s denial of Jewish history highlights the Book of Esther and the pertinence of Purim. Our contemporary Hamanwanebee and his Ayatollahs make Purim’s ancient story come alive, truly personifying Haman in all his gory. No one plays the Megillah’s arch villain better than Ahmadinejad, all perfectly set in Purim’s alma mater Persia.

Because of Purim’s jolly nature, we haven’t been taking it seriously, as say, Yom Kippur. We didn’t consider Haman dangerously real, and certainly didn’t expect him to threaten us today in an enlightened post-Holocaust 21st century.

We readily gragger Haman when mentioned in the Megillah, but did we fret when we heard of his plot to “kill all the Jews, men and women, old and young on the same day?” Knowing the outcome and happy ending, the wicked Haman seemed almost benign. His exploits appear comical in hindsight, and the evil Haman has deliciously devolved into sweet and beloved hamantashen pastries.
Thanks to Ahmadinejad, we now face a serious Haman of mass destruction who is obsessed to wipe Israel off the map and Haman is no longer an irrelevant anachronism. More than just a Purim spiel on a little Hebrew School stage, our current Purim drama is being played out on the international arena before the entire world.

We must counter this real-life Haman with real Mordechais and Esthers truly dedicated in mind and heart - not just in outer costume. We must rise to the occasion, rally for our survival and work toward the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

It is imperative that we hear the Megillah in the present tense. It’s not just once-upon–a-time, for it’s what’s happening now. Let’s observe Purim’s Mitzvot, and express our unity by exchanging Shalach Manos and giving charity. Let’s act on behalf of our people, so that the story once again ends happily, Israel prevails and “the Jews will enjoy light and joy, gladness and honor.” (Esther 9)

Mordechai’s call “Do not be indifferent to your brethren’s plight” reverberates though the ages and cries out to us here and now. Praying for Divine guidance and assistance through this crisis, everyone must do their part, for each Mitzvah does a world of good when all hangs in the balance.

May we soon realize the fulfillment of this seemingly ironic prophecy: “From within the danger and crisis, will come Jacob’s salvation!” (Isaiah 63)