The annual Jewish pilgrimage on Tunisia's island of Djerba began Friday with a low turnout amid heightened security concerns following a deadly attack last year and the ongoing war in Gaza, according to AFP. The three-day event at the Ghriba synagogue, Africa's oldest, typically attracts thousands of pilgrims from Europe, Israel, and beyond, along with many tourists. However, this year has seen fewer visitors, with almost no foreigners.
Authorities, including plainclothes police and National Guardsmen, restricted entry to the synagogue, allowing only Jewish visitors. Organizers had previously announced that this year's pilgrimage would be limited due to safety concerns related to the Gaza conflict and last year's attack that killed five people. As a result, the usual outdoor celebrations have been canceled, and activities are confined within the synagogue.
The pilgrimage holds significant cultural importance for Tunisia's small Jewish community, which numbers around 1,500, based mostly on Djerba. Organizers say over 5,000 people participated in last year’s pilgrimage, compared to up to 8,000 in previous years.
Tunisians protested on Tuesday in the capital on the 14th anniversary of the uprising that sparked the Arab Spring revolts
An offshore oil platform that was being towed from Scotland to Turkey has run aground near a beach off Tunisia&
According to reports by French radio and RFI, an imminent transfer of the French fighter jet to Morocco from the
Earlier this week Algeria accused France of "unacceptable and blatant interference" after President Emmanuel Macron said Algiers was
Sign up for the weekly newsletter and get our latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.
