Jewish pilgrims have begun a cautious return to the Ghriba synagogue on Djerba Island in Tunisia for their annual pilgrimage [1, 2].

The return marks a significant effort to resume traditional religious practices after a deadly attack occurred at the site in 2023 [3, 1]. The pilgrimage, which typically takes place in late May, serves as a barometer for religious tolerance and security stability in the region [1, 2].

Security authorities have implemented a strong presence to protect the site and the visitors [1, 2]. Some pilgrims said the atmosphere was reassuring, noting that the visible security measures provided a sense of safety during their visit [1, 2].

However, reports on the level of attendance and the mood of the visitors are mixed. While some highlight the welcoming environment, other reports indicate that turnout remained low as many pilgrims continued to fear potential security threats [1, 2, 4].

The Ghriba synagogue is one of the oldest in the world and remains a central point of faith for the Jewish community in North Africa [1, 2]. The Tunisian government has worked to broaden access for the annual event to ensure the tradition continues despite previous violence [3].

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the peak of the pilgrimage period approaches later this month [1, 2].

“Jewish pilgrims have begun a cautious return to the Ghriba synagogue on Djerba Island.”

The cautious resumption of the Djerba pilgrimage reflects the tension between Tunisia's desire to maintain its image as a pluralistic society and the lingering trauma of the 2023 attack. The discrepancy in reported attendance suggests that while official security measures are in place, a significant portion of the religious community remains hesitant to return to the site.