Tunisia revives historic Jewish pilgrimage

Tunisia is preparing to revive one of its most emblematic religious gatherings, as the annual Jewish pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue in Djerba returns this year in a format approaching its traditional scale.

After several years of restrictions shaped by security concerns and regional political tensions, organisers say the 2026 edition, scheduled from 30 April to 6 May, will mark a measured step towards restoring the event’s former character.

Perez Trabelsi, head of the organising committee, said the aim is to re-establish the pilgrimage “gradually and responsibly”, following a period in which participation had been significantly curtailed.

Located on the island of Djerba, around 500 kilometres south of Tunis, the El Ghriba synagogue is widely regarded as the oldest in Africa. The pilgrimage held there is among the most significant dates in the global Jewish religious calendar, drawing visitors from across Europe, North Africa and beyond. The island itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A tradition shaped by circumstance

In recent years, the pilgrimage has been notably subdued. Regional instability, particularly the war in Gaza, has cast a long shadow over the event, limiting observances to modest rituals attended primarily by Tunisia’s Jewish community.

In more typical years, however, the pilgrimage blends religious devotion with a wider atmosphere of celebration. Thousands of visitors gather for prayers, processions and communal festivities, timed to coincide with the 33rd day of the Jewish Passover period. The core ceremonies usually take place over two days under tight security arrangements.

Djerba is home to the largest Jewish community in Tunisia, and the pilgrimage has long been seen as an informal opening to the island’s tourism season.

Before Tunisia gained independence in 1956, the country’s Jewish population exceeded 100,000. Today, it is estimated at around 1,000.

Security concerns and symbolic messaging

The decision to restore the pilgrimage more fully comes at a sensitive moment, given the event’s history and the wider regional context.

In April 2002, a truck bomb attack near the synagogue killed 21 people, most of them German tourists. A further attack in 2023 also resulted in fatalities and injuries.

Organisers say security preparations for this year’s pilgrimage have been strengthened in coordination with Tunisian authorities to ensure the event proceeds safely.

Mr Trabelsi said the continuation of the pilgrimage sends “reassuring messages domestically and internationally”, reflecting Djerba’s long-standing reputation for tolerance and coexistence.

Participation this year is expected to remain limited, but organisers hope a successful edition will pave the way for a gradual return of larger international crowds in the coming years.

Political analyst Ibrahim Gharbi said the move sends a clear signal that Tunisia remains a safe country committed to protecting all its citizens without discrimination. He also underlined the importance of the event for the tourism sector, a key pillar of the national economy, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Debate over normalisation

The pilgrimage continues to spark debate within Tunisia, particularly among groups supportive of the Palestinian cause.

Critics argue that, beyond security concerns, the event raises questions linked to normalisation with Israel, especially given the presence of visitors of various nationalities, including Israelis.

Activist groups have previously warned that such occasions can blur the distinction between Judaism as a religion and Zionism as a political project. They have also expressed concern over what they describe as attempts to facilitate the entry of Israeli passport holders under the cover of a religious event.