On May 13th, I had the opportunity to visit the El Griba Synagogue in Djerba. The original Synagogue was built in 586 BC, making it the oldest synagogue in Africa, and one of the oldest synagogues in the world. Every year it hosts 5,000 – 6,000 visitors who come here for the festival of Lag B’omer in the month of May. I was touched by the warm welcome I received when visiting El Griba. Local leaders were kind enough to explain the history of the site and give me a tour of the synagogue. I also met with other leaders of the Jewish Community who showed me one of the local schools (pictured above) and the community center. Tunisia has a long history of religious tolerance, and I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the Jewish Community in Djerba. Later, I had dinner at the Sun Club Hotel and discussed Tunisian-American relations with a group local businessmen, politicians, and cultural figures. The food was excellent, as was the conversation! Tunisia and the United States have a long history of friendship, and I enjoyed discussing our current relationship and learning more about Djerba from the people who know it the best.