DJERBA, Tunisia — Jewish pilgrims from around the world flocked to the Tunisian island of Djerba in mid-May to visit El Ghriba, the oldest synagogue in Africa, sharing festivities with an ancient Jewish community there that has stood the test of time. 

Thousands of Jewish worshippers, many from France, Israel and the United States, made their way to the holy site May 19-20 for the annual pilgrimage, part of the Lag B’Omer Festival that marks 33 days after the start of the Jewish Passover. Outside of Israel, El Ghriba is one of the most sacred Lag B’Omer destinations, said to have been built more than 2 millennia ago when the first Jews arrived to Djerba with a stone from the Temple of Jerusalem. 

Tunisian security forces were on high alert to ensure the pilgrims’ safe passage, manning busy intersections and vetting visitors at checkpoints in front of the synagogue. 

The scene was festive around the Ghriba complex, with groups singing songs in Arabic, Hebrew and French, enjoying fresh-grilled kosher meat and sipping on Boukha, a Tunisian-Jewish fig liquor that is a staple of the island.