Every year, on the island of Djerba, Tunisian Jews are joined by others from around the world along with Muslims, as well as the curious to pray in the oldest synagogue in Africa situated at Ghriba. This years event is no exception with thousands flocking to this colourful spectacle from Europe, Israel and beyond. Worshippers prayed, lit candles and wrote wishes on egg which are secreted in a small chamber hidden in the wall. The event, which starts 33 days after the start of the Jewish Passover festival, coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan this year for the first time since 1987.
A pilgrim writes a message on an egg before placing it in the hidden recess in the Synagogue
This years event had a high security presence with special forces, snippers, police and close protection officers on view to reassure those enjoying the event.
Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed arrives at the Ghriba Synagogue on the Tunisian resort island of Djerba
The Tunisian Prime Minister, Youssef Chahed attended along with Tunisia’s first Jewish Minister of Tourism René Trabelsi, and various dignitaries including the English & American Ambassadors. High profile Jewish figures included Rabbi Raphael Cohen from Safed, Israel, Rabbi Israel Elia from London’s Lauderdale Road, and Rabbi Moshe Sebbag from La Victoire in Paris, and showing solidarity Hassan Imam de Drancy also from France.
Israeli rabbi Raphael Cohen and his delegation meet UK Rabbi Israrl Elia and his delegation at the Ghriba Synagogue
Held in the hostel inner courtyard adjacent to the synagogue, the proceedings are orchestrated by Master of ceremonies, French restaurateur Marco Zagdovd accompanied by musicians, and singers. A frenzied auction of silk scarfs is conducted by Marco , each lot seems to take an age to sell as singing drinking and dancing spontaneously erupts during each lot.
The court yard empties as Marco Zagdovd leads the procession of the “Menara”, a hexagonal pyramid representing prophet Moses’ five books, pulled through the narrowed streets adorned with the silk scarfs. Again the order of the day seems to be singing, dancing and much drinking of the ” Boukha ” a local fig based alcohol whilst women shriek and jostle for positions as close to the Menara as possible.
The evening is rounded off by a special iftar meal. The head of the government, Youssef Chahed and the Minister of Tourism, René Trabelsi presided over the fast-breaking meal in the presence of several ambassadors, journalists and various delegations present at this event.
