- October 6, 2024
- 9:46 pm
- Ukraine
The Israeli government under the leadership of Netanyahu showed “exceptional organizational abilities” in solving the problem of the transit of Hasidim to the Ukrainian Uman for the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, reported on social networks Haaretz correspondent Uri Misgav.
After Moldova refused to allow pilgrims through its territory, a decision was made, writes Uri Misgav, to organize an “air bridge” through the Romanian provincial airport of Bacau. This small airspace, which usually handles no more than a few flights a day, was “effectively rented for two days to accommodate Hasidic flights.”
“During this time, the airport received 34 charter flights from Israel, including those organized with the participation of the national airline El Al. All necessary services were provided for pilgrims, including enhanced security. Ticket prices were approximately $650, which many thought was quite reasonable.”
Criticism and problems with transit
“However, this successful organization has caused outrage among Israeli citizens stranded abroad due to the flight ban in Israeli airspace. In particular, this affected mobilized reservists who faced difficulties returning home. Unlike the Hasidim, for whom the government organized special charter flights, they were forced to find ways to return on their own.”
Israeli journalist Uri Misgav sarcastically noted that among the Hasidim there were no reservists with the Tsav 8 agenda – emergency mobilization, which emphasized the difference in government priorities. According to him, the government “did not overexert itself to return the remaining citizens, while a large-scale operation was organized for the Hasidim.”
Moldova's refusal and financial difficulties
One of the reasons why the Romanian Bakau airport was chosen was that Moldova refused to provide transit through its territory. This comes after Israel owed Moldova NIS 700,000 for guarding Chisinau airport during last year's Hasidic pilgrimage. The Israeli government was unable to repay this debt, which led to the need to find alternative ways.
Israeli Ministry of Transport and Foreign Affairsdespite the criticism, deny their direct involvement in organizing flights through Bakauwrites Haaretz.
They claim that the airport rental and increased security were organized and paid for by private travel agencies. However, journalists have expressed doubts about this version, pointing out that the Israeli government usually always pays for the security of Israeli airlines at foreign airports.
Reaction of the Minister of Transport
Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev has been criticized for not taking steps to organize transport flights for Israeli citizens stuck abroad. She stated that the Ministry of Defense did not ask her for help in organizing additional flights on Saturdays and holidays. Regev was also criticized for her behavior during a recent trip to Budapest, where she attended to personal matters despite the war situation in the country.
Thus, although the Israeli government “successfully addressed the problem of Hasidic pilgrimage,” it faced harsh criticism for its inattention to the needs of other Israelis, especially mobilized reservists who found themselves abroad during these difficult times.
Why through Moldova?
The situation with Hasidim traveling to Uman through Moldova indicates the negative consequences of Russian aggression, which created unfavorable conditions for pilgrimage. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted travel routes and safety, making pilgrimages more difficult and dangerous. Hasidim seeking to observe Rosh Hashanah have been forced to seek alternative routes to avoid the dangers posed by the conflict.
The inability to use usual routes and Moldova’s refusal to transit due to Israel’s debt only worsened the situation. Thus, Russia's actions have increased difficulties for people seeking to follow their religious traditions and highlight the negative impact of the war on civil society in Ukraine and beyond. Russia, continuing its aggressive policy, has actually made access to places of worship difficult and created additional obstacles for pilgrims
