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| Africa North |
| Tunisia welcomes Jewish pilgrims |
| 2014-05-20 |
| [MAGHAREBIA] The annual pilgrimage to Africa's oldest synagogue wrapped up Sunday (May 18th) on Tunisia's Djerba Island. "Celebrations marking the end of the annual visit to Ghriba synagogue went peacefully amid tight security measures that secured the departure of Jewish visitors from the island," Tunisian Interior Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Ali Aroui told TAP Sunday evening. "About 2,500 visitors took part in the pilgrimage to Ghriba synagogue, and this was beyond expectations," Aroui confirmed. "There were only 350 visitors last year." He added, "The interior ministry continues to secure the tourist season and to receive tourist groups under good circumstances." Interior Minister Lotfi Ben Jeddou also paid a field visit to Djerba Island last Tuesday to inspect security preparations for the pilgrimage. "Tunisian authorities have mobilised all capabilities, especially those pertaining to security, to make this Jewish pilgrimage to Ghriba synagogue a success," said Perez Trabelsi, head of the Jewish community in Djerba and president of the Ghriba board. "This is a proof of the religious tolerance that distinguishes Tunisia from other countries," he added. "It's also a service to Tunisian citizens, as more than 2,000 Jews live on Djerba Island." Trabelsi said that Tunisian authorities made the pilgrimage season a success. "All attendees were impressed by the security arrangements," he told Magharebia. |
| Posted by:Fred |