Jewish pilgrims mark Lag Ba'omer on Tunisian island - AP and Israel Hayom Staff

by AP and Israel Hayom Staff

Amid fears of religious violence, southern island of Djerba hosts annual Jewish pilgrimage under unprecedented security • Some 2,000 Jews gather at ancient Ghriba synagogue to mark holiday • Rabbi: Site a symbol of tolerance between Muslims and Jews.

The Ghriba synagogue in the Tunisia [Archive] | Photo credit: Reuters

Under unprecedented security, the Tunisian island of Djerba hosted an annual Jewish pilgrimage for Lag Ba'omer amid raised fears of religious violence after deadly Islamic extremist attacks last year scared away visitors.

Israel's Counterterrorism Bureau issued a travel warning for Tunisia in early May, upgrading the threat level to "concrete" just days ahead of Lag Ba'omer.

"Terrorist organizations, and especially global jihadi groups, continue to operate in Tunisia and carry out attacks. There are indications suggesting the high probability of attacks against Jewish targets, especially on Lag Ba'omer," the advisory posted on the Counterterrorism Bureau's website said. 

The pilgrimage used to draw huge crowds but security concerns have deterred many people from coming. Still, travel agency Rene Trabelsi estimated 2,000 visitors came this year, including about 600 from abroad and about 50 from Israel.

Crowds gathered under a sweltering heat for ceremonies Wednesday and Thursday at the 2,500-year-old Ghriba synagogue, which was targeted in an 2002 al-Qaida attack that killed 21 people.

Soldiers guarded the area in southern Tunisia and special forces carried out checks of vehicles and hotels, to ensure visitors' safety.

Rabbi Raphael Cohen, of the northern Israeli city of Safed, was among them. In a black suit and long white beard, he praised Ghriba as a "symbol of tolerance and peaceful cohabitation" between Muslims and Jews, and welcomed what he called "a reassuring security presence."

Knox Thames, special adviser at the U.S. State Department for religious minorities in the Near East and South and Central Asia, also joined the ceremonies, saying Tunisia should serve as a model for allowing religious minorities to practice freely.

Legend holds that the Ghriba synagogue was built around 500 B.C.E. by Jews who had fled Jerusalem after the Roman destruction of Solomon's Temple, the First Temple.

Senior political and religious figures from Tunisia and abroad, including Tourism Minister Selma Elloumi, took part in the opening ceremony Wednesday.

"Tunisia will remain a land of openness, conviviality and joy, despite the challenges of violence and hate," she said.

The pilgrimage event wrapped up Thursday with the procession of a bronze Torah, candle lighting and a ritual involving placing an egg in a cavity at the synagogue, with prayers written on the eggshells for healing ailments or fertility.

Pilgrim Alice Tal came from Paris to offer thanks. "Last year, my daughter left an egg with a marriage wish. Her wish was granted, she is getting married next week."

AP and Israel Hayom Staff

Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=33957

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