Jewish pilgrimage begins in Tunisia amid security measures

STORY: Jewish pilgrimage begins in Tunisia amid security measures DATELINE: May 21, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:59 LOCATION: Tunis CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the ceremony STORYLINE: Amid tight security measures, the annual Jewish pilgrimage began Wednesday in Ghariba Synagogue on the island of Djerba in southeastern Tunisia, after a two-year suspension due to COVID-19. The opening ceremony was attended by Tunisian Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts Mohamed Moez Belhassen, and a large number of government officials as well as many foreign political and religious figures. More than 3,000 pilgrims arrived in Tunisia from more than ten countries around the world including France, Italy and Morocco. Speaking to the media, Belhassen considered that the pilgrimage of Ghariba "remains a large-scale event, especially since it coincides with the start of the summer tourist season in the country." "This event also sends several messages to the world on common religious coexistence and encourages peace and