Tunisian President Kais Saied Hosts Interfaith Gathering in Response to Synagogue Attack
In the wake of a tragic mass shooting outside the historic Ghriba synagogue in Tunisia, President Kais Saied organized an interfaith meeting, bringing together Jewish, Muslim, and Christian leaders. The attack, which occurred during an annual Jewish pilgrimage on May 9, resulted in the loss of five lives. President Saied emphasized that Tunisia is a country known for “tolerance and coexistence” and aimed to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to these values through the gathering. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of this meeting and its implications for religious harmony and stability in Tunisia.
Promoting Tolerance and Coexistence
President Saied asserted that the interfaith meeting demonstrated Tunisia’s enduring legacy of tolerance and coexistence. The attendees included Grand Rabbi Haim Bittan, Mufti Hichem ben Mahmoud, and Archbishop Ilario Antoniazzi. Saied emphasized the historical presence of these values within Tunisia, as captured in a video released by the presidency. By bringing together leaders from different religious backgrounds, the president aimed to underscore Tunisia’s commitment to maintaining harmonious relationships among its diverse communities.
The Deadly Synagogue Attack
The mass shooting on the resort island of Djerba targeted the Ghriba synagogue, Africa’s oldest, during an annual Jewish pilgrimage. The attacker, identified as a police officer, killed three officers and two worshippers, a French-Tunisian and an Israeli-Tunisian, before being fatally shot by the police. This tragic event sent shockwaves through the community, sparking fear and anxiety. Tunisia, while denouncing the attack as “criminal,” refrained from labeling it as a “terrorist” act, avoiding the connotation of anti-Semitic motives.
Addressing Safety Concerns
During the interfaith meeting, President Saied assured the Jewish community of their safety and emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens. Saied also made a clear distinction between Judaism and Zionism while rejecting any form of normalization with Israel. He called on the international community to address the plight of the Palestinian people, urging an end to their ongoing tragedy. Rabbi Bittan expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, stating that he received assurances that the events in Djerba would not be repeated.
Preserving Tradition and Harmony
The pilgrimage to Ghriba holds deep significance in Tunisian Jewish tradition. While the Jewish population in Tunisia has dwindled to around 1,500 individuals, primarily residing on Djerba, the pilgrimage remains an essential cultural practice. The historic site had previously been targeted in a 2002 suicide truck bombing claimed by Al-Qaeda, which claimed the lives of 21 people. The recent attack highlighted the importance of safeguarding traditions and maintaining religious harmony within the country.
President Kais Saied’s interfaith gathering following the deadly shooting at the Ghriba synagogue exemplifies Tunisia’s commitment to tolerance and coexistence. By convening leaders from various religious backgrounds, the president emphasized the nation’s enduring values and denounced attempts to undermine Tunisia’s stability. The meeting offered reassurances of safety to the Jewish community and reinforced the government’s determination to protect all citizens. As Tunisia seeks to preserve its cultural heritage and foster religious harmony, it is crucial for society to continue promoting understanding, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
