Cautious return of pilgrims to Tunisia’s Djerba synagogue
A modest number of international pilgrims are returning to Tunisia’s island of Djerba for the annual Jewish pilgrimage, as authorities maintain heightened security and a subdued atmosphere following past attacks.
René Trabelsi, the pilgrimage organiser and former tourism minister, said confidence is gradually being restored, with around 200 pilgrims arriving from abroad despite ongoing regional tensions.
“… there has been a notable return of pilgrims to the island of Djerba. It is estimated that around 200 pilgrims have come from abroad. Confidence in this pilgrimage is starting to come back. Given the international context and the problems in the Middle East, that’s understandable. But the Tunisian authorities, the Tunisian state, have put in place exceptional security measures, whether at the airport, around the island, or here at the La Ghriba pilgrimage itself.”
At the historic synagogue, religious activities have continued, but celebrations remain on hold, reflecting both lingering fear and respect for victims of the 2023 attack.
“We are currently seeing visitors return, but only for religious rites. Since 2024, we have not closed the temple, and we cannot prevent rites from being carried out there. However, as far as celebrations are concerned, we have not yet resumed them, for several reasons: the main one is that we are still in mourning for the victims, and the second is that visitors are still afraid to come back.”
Despite concerns, some pilgrims say the reality on the ground is reassuring, pointing to a welcoming atmosphere and strong security presence.
“I feel that we’re given a very warm welcome in Tunisia, despite what’s in the news, despite everything people might tell us. We feel very reassured coming here. We don’t feel any tension at all, like we might in Paris or in Europe. It’s a very welcoming country, whether it’s the police or the general public. We feel loved, because the problem today is that people don’t know each other. There’s a lot of mistrust, but here, there’s no mistrust.”
The pilgrimage’s gradual revival signals a cautious step toward normalcy for one of North Africa’s most significant Jewish religious gatherings.
