départ du 1e groupe des hadjis algériens à destination des Lieux Saints
Summary of the Departure of Algerian Pilgrims for Hajj 1446 Hijri
On Saturday, the first group of Algerian pilgrims, totaling around 250 hadjis, departed from Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers to perform the Hajj rituals for the Islamic year 1446 (2025). They were seen off by several prominent officials, including:
- Youcef Belmehdi: Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments
- Mohamed Meziane: Minister of Communication
- Saïd Sayoud: Minister of Transport
- Abdelhak Saihi: Minister of Health
- Houria Meddahi: Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts
- Sofiane Chaib: Secretary of State for the Foreign Ministry
- Taher Braik: Director General of the National Office of Pilgrimage and Umrah (ONPO)
- Abdelhafid Bakhouche: Director General of Customs
- Hamza Benhamouda: Director General of Air Algérie
- Representatives from various ministries and the Saudi ambassador in Algeria, Abdallah Benacer El Bassiri.
During the send-off, Minister Belmehdi emphasized that organizing the Hajj is a national mission, underscoring that "the high authorities of the country have mobilized all necessary human and material resources." He noted the government’s commitment to ensuring quality services for the hadjis, facilitated by effective coordination among various sectors, in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives.
Belmehdi urged the pilgrims to represent Algeria honorably during their time in the holy places and to follow the instructions provided by the national Hajj mission. He also confirmed that flights for the pilgrimage would continue from 12 airports across Algeria, with all necessary arrangements made to facilitate the operation smoothly.
The Minister of Transport reiterated that extensive human and logistical resources had been mobilized to transport the pilgrims to the holy sites. A transportation program, coordinated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, had been established to ensure smooth and complementary services for the hadjis.
Conclusion
The first group of Algerian hadjis has embarked on their significant journey, backed by government assurances of support and coordination for a successful pilgrimage experience. As this spiritual journey unfolds, it reflects the dedication of both the officials and the pilgrims to uphold the values of Algerian representation in the holy sites.
