Ukraine calls on Hasidic pilgrims not to come to Uman for Rosh Hashanah this year: “Regular Russian strikes on civilian targets are a Ukrainian reality, unfortunately…”

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has issued a warning to Hasidic pilgrims heading to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. In the message, published by the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel September 12, 2024 in three languages ​​- Ukrainian, English and Hebrew, it says:

“Safety warnings for Hasidic pilgrims regarding their visit to the city of Uman as part of the celebration of the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah.

The ongoing full-scale military aggression of Russia against Ukraine creates real threats to the lives and safety of people, eliminating the possibility of ensuring the safety of foreign citizens on the territory of Ukraine.

Taking this into account, The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry calls on Hasidic pilgrims to refrain from the current pilgrimage to the city of Uman as part of the Rosh Hashanah celebrations.

If a decision is made to visit Uman despite the above reservations, it should be taken into account that Ukraine is under martial law, which provides for a number of additional regulations, including restrictions on freedom of movement, the introduction of a curfew, increased patrols, a ban on holding mass events and gatherings, and the use of coercive measures against individuals who do not comply with the established restrictions.

Other circumstances that may complicate the stay of pilgrims in Ukraine and which should be taken into account when planning trips:

• the lack of a sufficient number of civil defense facilities to shelter pilgrims in places where they congregate en masse in the city of Uman;
• congestion of ground transport links with Ukraine and possible significant delays in rail transport due to massive shelling of transport infrastructure facilities;
• lack of sufficient medical personnel and medical facilities in the city of Uman to provide medical care to pilgrims;
• the possibility of introducing additional regulations on the entry (online registration) and stay of Hasidic pilgrims in Ukraine.”

On September 1, 2023, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a travel warning to Ukraine.

Igor Taburets, head of the Cherkasy regional military-civil administration, addressed the Bratslav Hasidim planning an annual pilgrimage to Uman for Rosh Hashanah:

“Regular Russian attacks and strikes on civilian targets, provocations are not just insurance, but a Ukrainian reality, unfortunately…”

He added that the regional authorities understand that, despite the warnings, some believers will still visit the sacred place. Therefore, all issues are being worked out together with the local authorities, heads of the security service, the medical industry and public utilities. A meeting of these relevant departments was held the day before.

“Thus, the head of the Cherkasy OVA announced comprehensive measures, including maximum strengthening of security, improvement of shelters with specialized services, verification of the possibility of providing medical care for sanitary and epidemiological well-being.”

In addition, during the pilgrimage, an operational headquarters will be deployed to coordinate the work.

“The key priority remains the same – the safety of local residents and visitors.”

Uman Mayor Irina Pletneva reported that 30-40 thousand pilgrims are expected this year:

“The necessary sanitary conditions will be organized on the pilgrimage site, 14 checkpoints, 189 additional road signs and other measures will be installed.”

She also stressed the importance of:

“Payment of taxes and tourist fees by legal entities and individuals engaged in hosting Hasidim.”

In conclusion, Igor Taburets emphasized the need to organize timely and high-quality medical care, ensure anti-epidemic safety and prompt operation of shelters:

“During the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, safety and comfort must be ensured for both local residents and pilgrims. Therefore, we are preparing very responsibly and remember: the enemy can use any opportunity to destabilize the situation in the country.”

Let us recall that the celebration of Rosh Hashanah this year 2024 will take place from October 2 to 4.

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