The annual Jewish pilgrimage to the 26-century-old El-Ghriba Synagogue on Tunisia’s island of Djerba drew a modest but notable return of international visitors this year, under tight security, after a deadly 2023 attack disrupted the festival. AP reported on May 6. WGAU
Around 500 people attended this year’s pilgrimage, held from April 30 to May 6 to mark the Lag B’Omer Jewish holiday. Visitors came from France, China, Ivory Coast and Italy, including France’s ambassador to Tunisia, a symbolic gesture after two French citizens were among those killed in the 2023 attack. ClickOnDetroit
Attendance dropped sharply after the 2023 shooting outside the synagogue that killed two pilgrims and three security officers. The synagogue was also targeted by a 2002 truck bombing by al-Qaida that killed about 20 people.
A visible but contained security presence surrounded the synagogue, while heavier measures were deployed at access points to the island, where police checkpoints and barricades controlled entry. Vehicles were searched and identification documents carefully inspected. Security was concentrated particularly in Hara Seghira and Hara Kebira, the island’s main Jewish quarters. Washington Times
Despite security concerns, the traditional Minara procession took place for the first time since the 2023 attack. The Minara, a pyramid-shaped tower of gold and silver placed at the centre of the synagogue, is draped by women with colourful scarves in a gesture associated with good fortune, fertility and marriage. A symbolic auction of paintings and Jewish religious items follows as a fundraiser for the synagogue’s maintenance, after which the scarf-laden Minara is paraded outside to the sounds of the traditional darbuka drum, singing and the throwing of candy.
El-Ghriba is considered Africa’s oldest synagogue, with construction dating to the sixth century BC, and is regarded as a symbol of Tunisia’s diversity. Around 1,500 Jews live in the country today, mainly on Djerba, compared with approximately 100,000 before independence in 1956, when many left for Israel and France. Middle East Eye
Perez Trabelsi, head of the organising committee, said the pilgrimage sends “reassuring messages domestically and internationally”, pointing to Djerba’s long-standing reputation for tolerance and coexistence. The event has long served as an informal opening to the island’s tourism season. Libyan Express
“This year’s Ghriba pilgrimage marks a gradual return,” said René Trabelsi, former Tourism Minister. “We are returning little by little.” — AP