Tunisia: Jewish pilgrimage in Djerba

Event

Thousands of Jewish pilgrims converged on the island of Djerba on Wednesday, May 2, home to the El Ghriba Synagogue - believed to be the oldest in Africa. The pilgrimage takes place yearly on the 33rd day of Passover. Increased security measures have been put in place including helicopters and special forces.

Context

Attendance is reportedly up following years of low numbers due to fears of continued terrorist attacks (the synagogue was the site of a suicide bomb attack in 2002) in Tunisia. 5,000 people were expected to take part in the pilgrimage this year.

Advice

Individuals in the region are advised to keep abreast of the situation and prepare for increased security measures.

Due to the terrorist threat, individuals in Tunisia are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities, particularly when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).