El Ghriba synagogue
| El Ghriba Synagogue | |
|---|---|
 Interior of El Ghriba Synagogue | |
| Basic information | |
| Location | Djerba, Tunisia |
| Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism |
| Rite | Maghrebi (Tochavim) |
| Status | Pilgrimage site |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural style | Moorish |
The ancient El Ghriba Synagogue (Tunisian Arabic: كنست الغريبة), also known as the Djerba Synagogue, is located on the Tunisian island of Djerba. It is situated in the Jewish village of Hara Seghira (currently known as Er-Riadh), several kilometres southwest of Houmt Souk, the main town of Djerba.
History
The synagogue is the destination of an annual pilgrimage of many Tunisian Jews for the holiday of Lag BaOmer, which takes place 33 days after the beginning of the celebration of Passover.[1]
Attacks
On Simchat Torah 1985, a police officer charged with the security of the synagogue opened fire on the congregation causing the death of three people, including a child.
On April 11, 2002, a truck full of explosives was detonated close to the synagogue, killing 21 people, of whom 14 were German tourists, five Tunisians and two French nationals. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the bombing.[2]
See also
- Oldest synagogues in the world
- Chaim Madar
- La Ghriba, a documentary film
- Hara Seghira Synagogue
- Synagogue of the Kohanim of Djirt
References
- ↑ Jewish communities of the world, Avi Beker, World Jewish Congress, Published by World Jewish Congress, 1996, p. 212
- ↑ Tunisian bomb attack trial opens, BBC
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to El Ghriba Synagogue. |
Coordinates: 33°48′54″N 10°51′31″E / 33.8149361111°N 10.8586916667°E