Djerba synagogue festivities in 2022. The pilgrimage to Africa's oldest synagogue draws hundreds of Jews from Europe, the US and Israel to the Tunisian island. Reuters
Djerba synagogue festivities in 2022. The pilgrimage to Africa's oldest synagogue draws hundreds of Jews from Europe, the US and Israel to the Tunisian island. Reuters
Djerba synagogue festivities in 2022. The pilgrimage to Africa's oldest synagogue draws hundreds of Jews from Europe, the US and Israel to the Tunisian island. Reuters
Djerba synagogue festivities in 2022. The pilgrimage to Africa's oldest synagogue draws hundreds of Jews from Europe, the US and Israel to the Tunisian island. Reuters

Jewish pilgrimage organisers in Tunisia scrap celebrations over Gaza war


Ghaya Ben Mbarek
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The organisers of an annual Jewish pilgrimage in Tunisia have cancelled its accompanying celebrations because of the Israel-Gaza war.

Perez Trabelsi, head of committee of the Ghriba Grand Synagogue, announced on Friday that the pilgrimage to the temple on Djerba island will be limited to the basic rituals conducted inside the temple.

No public celebrations around the island are going to take place.

“How do we celebrate when people die every day,” Mr Trabelsi told Reuters.

The pilgrimage to Africa's oldest synagogue draws hundreds of Jews from Europe, the US and Israel to Djerba, a major holiday resort off Tunisia's south, about 500km from the capital, Tunis.

It is also attended by the local Jewish community, estimated to number 1,500 and one of the largest remaining Jewish populations in North Africa.

Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 people so far, Tunisian activists have been calling on authorities to ensure that this year’s Ghriba pilgrimage would only be attended by the local Jewish community members.

However, both Tunisian authorities and the pilgrimage organising committee have not said whether non-Tunisians and those holding dual Tunisian-Israeli citizenship would be granted entrance to the country.

The dispute over the annual religious ceremony comes only a year after a naval national guard member shot dead five people – two civilians and three security personnel – near the synagogue on the island of Djerba.

Jews have lived in Tunisia since Roman times.

Both Muslims and Jews in Tunisia and specifically in Djerba consider the pilgrimage as an opportunity to celebrate peaceful co-existence and to counter religious prejudice.

“Tunisia and Djerba will remain a land of tolerance, co-existence and peace,” the synagogue committee said.

MATCH INFO

Liverpool 4 (Salah (pen 4, 33', & pen 88', Van Dijk (20')

Leeds United 3 (Harrison 12', Bamford 30', Klich 66')

Man of the match Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
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Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

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Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

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Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
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From: Upper Egypt

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What's in the deal?

Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024

India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.

India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.

Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments

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What are NFTs?

Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.

You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”

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Updated: April 20, 2024, 2:51 PM`