Ghriba Synagogue Bombing Kills 21 in Tunisia
April 11th, 2002
April 11th, 2002
How Long Ago?
22 years, 11 months, 4 days ago
Location
Djerba, Tunisia
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Osama bin Laden
- Mohamed Atta
- Abdelaziz Bouteflika
Links & References
Tags
Ghriba Synagogue Bombing Kills 21 in Tunisia
A bombing at the Ghriba synagogue in Tunisia resulted in the death of 21 people, predominantly foreign tourists, during a significant Jewish pilgrimage. The attack was orchestrated by members of al-Qaeda, targeting a symbolic site of Jewish heritage in the primarily Muslim nation. It heightened fears of terrorism within Tunisia and across the region around the time of escalating global jihadist movements.
21 people killed, mostly foreign tourists.
Ghriba synagogue is a historic Jewish site.
Al-Qaeda operatives responsible for the bombing.
Increased security at cultural sites post-attack.
What Happened?
The Ghriba synagogue bombing occurred during a festival when Jewish pilgrims traveled to the historic synagogue located on the island of Djerba in Tunisia, a site known for its cultural and religious significance. The bombing was carried out by al-Qaeda operatives, and it notably targeted both locals and international visitors, with the majority of the casualties being foreign tourists. This event was shocking not only for its immediate deadly impact but also because it marked a rare act of terrorism against a Jewish community in an Arab country, illustrating the broader agenda of extremist groups aiming to strike symbolic targets. In the aftermath, security was tightened around cultural and religious sites to prevent further attacks.
Why Does it Matter?
The bombing of the Ghriba synagogue is significant in the context of the rise of Islamist terrorism at the beginning of the 21st century, emphasizing the threats faced by minority communities within the Arab world. It drew international attention to Tunisia's relatively stable political landscape and the potential for violence, changing perceptions of safety among tourists and pushing the Tunisian government to enhance its counter-terrorism efforts. This event also marked a moment of increased scrutiny of extremist organizations operating in North Africa and their global connections.
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