Tunisia: Ghriba Jewish pilgrimage sees increased turnout after years of restrictions

Tunisia: Ghriba Jewish pilgrimage sees increased turnout after years of restrictions Submitted by MEE staff on Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:17 Religious event on the island of Djerba once attracted thousands of Jews from around the world but faced restrictions after a 2023 gun attack on worshippers French Jewish pilgrims light candles at the Ghriba synagogue, on Tunisia's southern island of Djerba, on 4 May 2026, during the annual pilgrimage to the Jewish holy site (Fethi Belaid/AFP) Off The pilgrimage to the Ghriba Synagogue in Tunisia , one of the oldest Jewish gatherings in Africa, is experiencing increased participation this year after years of restrictions. Tunisian authorities imposed limits on attendance following a deadly attack on the site in 2023. The annual event, held on the island of Djerba, once attracted thousands of Jews from around the world, particularly from Europe and the United States .