Under tight security, Jewish pilgrims gather on Tunisia isle
Despite their government's warning, some Israelis make their way to Djerba to celebrate at 2,500-year-old synagogue
DJERBA, Tunisia — The Tunisian island of Djerba is hosting an annual Jewish pilgrimage amid increased security after deadly Islamic extremist attacks last year scared away tourists and raised fears of religious violence.
Soldiers are guarding the area in southern Tunisia and special security forces are carrying out checks on vehicles, intersections and hotels. The Israeli government reportedly issued a warning earlier this month advising Israelis not to travel to Tunisia for the event.
Rabbi Raphael Cohen of Safat, Israel, came anyway, praising Djerba as a “symbol of tolerance and peaceful cohabitation.”
Under a sweltering heat, crowds gathered for ceremonies Wednesday and Thursday at the 2,500-year-old Djerba synagogue, which was targeted in a 2002 attack. The pilgrimage used to draw huge crowds but security concerns have scared many away.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.