Moldova canceled flights to Uman due to stalled negotiations with Israel

The Civil Aviation Authority of Moldova reported the inability to increase the frequency of flights between Ben Gurion Airport and Chisinau to its clients on the eve of the Jewish New Year. This decision resulted in the cancellation of special charter flights that were scheduled for the coming week.

Cancellation of Flights and Conflict with Israel

The cancellation of flights occurred amid negotiations to create a temporary terminal that was supposed to serve Israeli travelers flying to Chisinau on their way to Uman, Ukraine. It was assumed that the terminal would be located in the parking lot of Chisinau airport, and the cost of its construction and operation was estimated at 20 million shekels. However, according to Israeli sources, Moldova insisted that all equipment remain on its territory after the terminal’s operation, which did not suit Israel.

Diplomatic Disagreements

Based on this, in a letter sent to Shmuel Zakai, head of the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel, it was stated that since the Republic of Moldova and the State of Israel have not yet signed a memorandum of understanding on the transportation of pilgrims, “we cannot confirm additional flights beyond those already approved.” Moreover, the letter noted: “Until an agreement is reached between the states, we can only maintain the existing flight permits.” Both airlines, El Al and Israir, are entitled to operate four flights a week on the Tel Aviv–Chisinau route.

Problems for Pilgrims

As a result of these circumstances, pilgrims will find it difficult to reach Uman via Chisinau, and they will have to land in Poland or Romania and then travel 16 hours or more by bus.

Reaction to the Decision

The cancellation of flights caused a negative reaction among representatives of the Hasidic community. Deputy Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism party) in his letter demanded “to stop the policy of the stick and speak a language understandable to everyone,” suggesting presenting the Moldovan government with a choice between what he characterized as “respect for the basic rights of Israelis” and “the price for neglecting Israel and its citizens.”

Accusations of Anti-Semitism

The Braslov Association, responsible for servicing the complex of Rabbi Nachman’s grave in Braslov, reported that “Moldova’s actions against the Braslov Hasidim represent pure anti-Semitism and deliberate persecution of Jews. It creates the impression that this is a banana republic that tramples international agreements just to prevent thousands of Hasidim from attending religious prayers.”

Political Intervention and Evacuation

Deputy Porush concluded his letter by praising the team created to address the issue, which includes representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, the prime minister’s office, the national security council, as well as the ministries of transport and internal affairs. Simultaneously, a decision was made to allocate tens of millions of shekels for the construction of a temporary terminal, as well as the agreement of Transport Minister Miri Regev on emergency night flights from Ben Gurion Airport, despite possible concerns of local residents and attempts to create conditions excluding arrest by deserters traveling to Uman.