Extending an Olive Branch

It's easy to take photos of the sweetest people on the planet: look no further than this doe-eyed gent dressed in a simple brown Hijab. He and dozens more Muslims welcomed me to their country and their homes with kindness and tolerance.

Forget everything you've heard on FOX news and radical right-wing radio about Islam. They speak for a very very small population of zealots in Arabic speaking countries.

In fact, so hospitable is the company of Muhammad-loving Tunisians that much to my surprise everyone traveling with me is Jewish. Our 10 day trip together covering nearly 2000 miles caters to many, not all, but many places significant to the Jewish faith.

Another surprising truth is that the island of Djerba in the Gulf of Gabès is home to one of the oldest synagogues in the world. Today about three thousand Tunisian Jews from France, Italy and Israel, attended the annual pilgrimage to the synagogue of El Ghriba. Photos of special blessings and ceremonial traditions along with a summary will be posted soon.

This renewed sense of peace is thanks in part to President Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali who invested in restoration of many historic Jewish monuments and synagogues.