El Ghriba is an ancient synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba. It is located close to Hara Seghira , several kilometres southwest of Houmt Souk , the capital of Djerba.

History

The history of the synagogue is reported to go back about 2000 years, making it the oldest synagogue in Africa and one of the oldest ones in the world. According to an oral tradition, it was built by Jews who had immigrated after the destruction of the first Temple in Jerusalem.

The synagogue is the destination of an annual pilgrimage of many Tunisian Jews after the celebration of Passover.

Bombing

On April 11, 2002, a truck full of explosives was detonated close to the synagogue, killing 21 people (of whom 14 were German tourists). Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack.

External link

El Ghriba Synagogue, Djerba, Tunisia