Anti-smoking organization Chaviv launched a unique nationwide campaign — a youth non-smoking competition — during Purim.
Many young men are exposed to nicotine for the first time on Purim, later leading to a cigarette addiction.
Chaviv, which operates year-round, joined forces with Maccabbi Health Services to issue an eight-page color comic book about a group of boys getting ready for Purim. Noting the dangers inherent in smoking on Purim, the group reveals the Cigarette Army and its commander, who tries to entice young men to start smoking. The booklet goes on to explain the dangers of smoking and show how cigarettes harm beginning smokers.
The comic book, written and produced by professionals who specialize in smoking prevention and recovering from addiction, conveys the message in a manner tailored to young readers. Chaviv asked parents to encourage boys to read the booklet and take part in the non-smoking competition.
The organization operates a 24-hour hotline (1599-500-480) to help smokers overcome their addiction.
