Jewish pilgrims from Tunisia and the diaspora gathered on Djerba Island from April 30 to May 6 to celebrate Lag B’Omer, a holiday marked by devotional rituals, cultural traditions, and a renewed sense of community. Despite heightened security following a 2023 attack, the event symbolized coexistence, with both Jewish and Muslim participants. Key traditions included candle lighting, sacred cave offerings, and the Minara procession, which resumed after a year-long hiatus.
from April 30 to May 6 to celebrate the Lag B’Omer Jewish holiday. Jews have lived in Tunisia since Roman times, and the pilgrimage remains central to the country’s small but long-standing Jewish community.
Inside the synagogue, the atmosphere was calm and devotional, while also buzzing with conversations and social exchanges. Worshippers lit candles, read sacred texts and wrote wishes on eggs later placed in a sacred cave within the complex, a tradition believed to bring blessings. Among them was Redj Cahen, a Tunisian-Italian pilgrim who returned after missing last year’s gathering.
“We are back, and we are proud to be Tunisian Jews,” he said. “It is a feeling you cannot explain. Only those who come here understand. ” The gathering draws both local worshippers and members of the diaspora returning to their ancestral roots and has long been seen as a symbol of coexistence, attracting Muslim visitors alongside Jewish pilgrims.
A visible but contained security presence surrounded the synagogue, while heavier measures were deployed at access points to the island, where police checkpoints and barricades controlled entry. Vehicles were searched and identification documents carefully inspected. Within Djerba, security was especially concentrated in Hara Seghira and Hara Kebira, the island’s main Jewish quarters. Despite security worries, the traditional “Minara” procession took place for the first time since the 2023 attack, signaling a cautious easing of restrictions.
The Minara, a pyramid-shaped tower of gold and silver, is placed at the center of the synagogue. Women drape it with colorful scarves in a gesture associated with good fortune, fertility and marriage. A symbolic auction of paintings and Jewish religious items follows as part of a traditional fundraiser for the synagogue’s maintenance, after which the scarf-laden Minara is placed on a cart and paraded outside to the sounds of the traditional darbuka drum, singing and throwing of candy.
It is later brought back into the synagogue, concluding one of the event’s pillar traditions. The pilgrimage, one of the oldest in Africa, has historically drawn thousands from around the world. Attendance dropped sharply after the 2023 shooting outside the synagogue that killed two pilgrims and three security officers. The synagogue was also targeted by a 2002 truck bombing by al-Qaida that killed about 20 people.
“This year’s Ghriba pilgrimage marks a gradual return,” said former Tourism Minister René Trabelsi. “We are returning little by little. '' Trabelsi said Tunisian authorities had pushed to maintain the pilgrimage despite the challenges. The event plays an important role in supporting the local economy.
Khedir Hnaia, who has worked at the synagogue for more than three decades, welcomed the return of longtime visitors.
“We would like to reflect a good image to the world, to bring back the glory of Ghriba and make it even better than how it used to be,” he said. “We need to stand up for our country, we love Tunisia very much and in the same way our country stood up for us we will always stand up for it,” said Haim Haddad, a member of the pilgrimage organizing committee from Zarzis. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press.
All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.1 shot in Butler Beach road rage incident; another person in custodyBolles Boys Lacrosse locked in on the final 4🥍👀Episcopal Girls Lacrosse looking forward to being back in the Final 4 🥍👀Child dies in Bradford County trailer home fire▶Nonprofit steps up to help families who lost homes in Brantley County wildfires sift through rubbleResidents react after man shot, killed by police in their neighborhoodJacksonville gas prices top $4: Where to find cheapest fuel near you▶Man armed with gun who kicked in doors of 4 homes shot, killed after confronting officers, JSO saysElementary schooler shares message for Brantley County community as students return to schoolKingsland to reconsider data center rules; two planning and zoning items pulled from agendaSecond week of trial begins for 4 men accused in the murder of Jacksonville rapper Julio FoolioSecond week of trial begins for 4 men accused in the murder of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio10 years in the making JU Men's Lacrosse going Dancing🏆🐬🥍Donations can be dropped off at area Navy Federal Credit Union locationsYour brain on bargains: Why you’re buying more at the grocery store than you planned▶1 wounded, cars left damaged when afterparty erupts in gunfire, witness saysJacksonville afterparty erupted into chaos before man was shot, witness saysBrantley County ready to welcome displaced students back when they are ready to returnVarsity 4 Boys Basketball Player of the YearVarsity 4 Girls Basketball Player of the Year Kathleen CrawleyNeighbors describe heartbreak after ducklings run over, woman faces felony chargesDCPS bus stop-arm camera warnings end as Blanding Blvd. identified as hotspot; $225 fines beginWildfire now 45% contained as officials offer resources for recovery supportEverything you need to know about the 61st Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Fest
Lag B’Omer Djerba Island Jewish Pilgrimage Tunisia Minara Procession
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rampage of hate in Queens: Swastikas and antisemitic graffiti targeting Jewish centers and homes leave localQueens religious leaders and locals are fuming Monday after four teenagers went on a rampage, spray-painting swastikas at five different locations earlier
Read more »
Mamdani decries ‘antisemitic hatred’ after NYC synagogues vandalized with swastikasPhotos circulating online show black swastikas circled in red spray-painted across synagogue walls and Jewish community centers.
Read more »
Communities unite for Lag BaOmer traditions and bonfiresJERUSALEM (AP) — Lag BaOmer is a festive day in the Jewish calendar that brings communities together in celebration and shared tradition.
Read more »
Vandals spray paint swastikas, Hitler graffiti on Jewish sites, homes in NYC spreeToday's Video Headlines: 05/04/26
Read more »
Lakeview cantor sings national anthem at Chicago Cubs' first ever Jewish American community nightFor the first time ever, the Chicago Cubs are hosting a special night honoring Chicago's Jewish American community Wednesday before their game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Read more »
At the site of Pasadena’s Jewish temple, a mural celebrates love over hateA new Pasadena mural celebrates love and community over hate. Here’s how the lines were drawn.
Read more »