Summary:

On Sunday 25 February 2024, authorities in Sfax reported that a fire had been extinguished in the courtyard of a building that formerly functioned as a synagogue. No injuries or deaths were reported as connected with the incident. 

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Multiple trees in the building courtyard burned with some damage to the exterior of the building. However, the fire did not appear to cause extensive damage to any structures. 

On 2 March 2024, the Associated Press reported that an official in Sfax had confirmed that a male suspect was in detention and being questioned related to the fire. The official confirmed that the suspect was being questioned to establish whether the fire had been a deliberate criminal act targeting a house of worship. 

This latest event at a Tunisian synagogue follows an incident in mid-October 2023 when a crowd damaged a synagogue in Gabes and a May 2023 shooting by a member of Tunisia’s security forces at the Ghriba Synagogue in Djerba. 

Outlook: 

The issue of antisemitism and the security of Tunisia’s Jewish population remains a source of concern for some, even as the administration works actively to assure   

Particularly following the Ghriba Synagogue shooting in May 2023, the issue of antisemitism in Tunisia has been a point of discussion, with the government taking both a strong pro-Palestinian stance as well as a clear vision of co-existence with Tunisia’s dwindling Jewish population. 

Additionally, with Tunisia relying heavily on tourism, the government must carefully manage perceptions that antisemitism and violent actions targeting minority group can be expected in Tunisia. Impressions that such actions are taking place in Tunisia could discourage tourism, upon which the economy will be heavily dependent in 2024.  

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