Ukraine reportedly bans annual Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman over security concerns
Photo: Ukraine will not allow Hasidic pilgrims to visit Uman this year (RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine has decided to ban the annual Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman due to the full-scale war and ongoing Russian attacks, The Times of Israel reports.
Israeli media report that Ukraine will not allow tens of thousands of Hasidic pilgrims to travel to Uman next month. The decision is based on security concerns stemming from the prolonged war with Russia.
The ban on visiting the grave of Hasidic leader Rabbi Nachman of Breslov during Rosh Hashanah is partly linked to Ukraine's nationwide ban on large gatherings, which has been in effect since February 2022, when Russia invaded the country.
Over the past month, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. This includes large-scale strikes on western and central Ukraine, where Uman is located.
In previous years, Ukraine strongly advised pilgrims not to visit the region due to security risks. Despite this, tens of thousands still traveled, entering Ukraine through the border with Moldova.
An anonymous Ukrainian official told the i24 news agency that Kyiv is frustrated by Israel's lack of support amid the Russian threat. The official added that if the pilgrimage were allowed, Jerusalem would be required to provide both financial backing and a physical police presence in Uman.
Separately, The Times of Israel notes the government of Moldova is also demanding guarantees from Israel before allowing Hasidic pilgrims to fly from Israel to Moldova and then travel to Uman.
Among the requirements:
- Israel must fund a temporary terminal for additional flights carrying pilgrims to and from the pilgrimage site, totaling eight million shekels.
- Police presence along the route and on the flights.
- Funding for necessary equipment to ensure security and logistics.
The Times of Israel reports that Moldova is requesting Israel to transfer the full amount to its government by September 3. If the payment is not made, the operation will not be permitted.
Each year, tens of thousands of people travel to Uman for the Jewish New Year to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a 19th-century Hasidic sage.
Last year, Ukraine also urged Hasidic pilgrims to refrain from traveling to the country. However, in September, authorities agreed to accept thousands of pilgrims with a single condition.
In 2025, Rosh Hashanah will begin on September 22.
