In response to security concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a deadly attack last year, organisers have announced that the annual Jewish pilgrimage on Tunisia’s island of Djerba will be limited this year.
The pilgrimage, traditionally a vibrant event at the Ghriba synagogue, Africa’s oldest, typically draws thousands of pilgrims for days-long festivities.
However, this year’s pilgrimage, scheduled for May 24 to 26, is expected to see significantly fewer visitors due to the recent events in Gaza and last year’s attack that resulted in the deaths of five people.
Speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, an organiser confirmed that while the pilgrimage is not cancelled, it will be scaled back significantly.
The entire event will be confined to activities within the synagogue, with prayers and the lighting of candles being the main focus. This decision comes amidst heightened security concerns following last year’s tragic events.
The tragic incident last May 9 saw a policeman fatally shooting three police officers and two pilgrims during the festival, which had resumed in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s pilgrimage will not feature the usual activities such as the open-air parade carrying the synagogue’s menorah, a significant symbol of Judaism.
According to organisers, last year’s pilgrimage attracted over 5,000 participants, mainly from abroad, a stark contrast to the 8,000 pilgrims seen in previous years.
The Ghriba pilgrimage has a history marked by tragic events, including a suicide bombing in 2002 claimed by Al-Qaeda, which resulted in the deaths of 21 people.
The pilgrimage holds significant cultural and religious importance for Tunisia’s Jewish community, which now consists of approximately 1,500 members, predominantly residing on Djerba.
Prior to Tunisia’s independence in 1956, the country was home to over 100,000 Jews. The pilgrimage commemorates the Lag BaOmer festival, occurring 33 days after the start of the Jewish Passover, and remains a cherished tradition despite the challenges and security concerns faced this year.
