Over 30,000 Hasidim want to come to Uman for Rosh Hashanah

According to the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, more than 30,000 Hasidic pilgrims intend to come to Uman for Rosh Hashanah [the Jewish New Year] this September.

Source: State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience

Quote: "Despite persistent recommendations to pilgrims to refrain from going to Uman as much as possible, given the war, regular large-scale attacks on our country and possible provocations by Russia, Hasidim perceive this trip as their religious duty. Obviously, the arrival of such a large number of pilgrims in a country at war requires serious security, logistical, medical and other measures on the part of the state authorities."

Details: Representatives of the city and oblast authorities in Sumy, law enforcement agencies, border guards, diplomats and customs officers have indicated their readiness to receive more than 30,000 pilgrims.

The service reports that Iryna Pletniova, the mayor of Uman, noted that it is almost impossible to protect such a large number of people from attacks, especially those concentrated in a relatively small area.

However, it is noted that both central and local authorities have gained considerable experience in organising pilgrimages and managed to resolve issues that seemed insoluble. This year, a website and hotline were set up for Hasidic pilgrims in Uman.

For reference: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, which is celebrated for two consecutive days on the new moon of the autumn month of Tishrei according to the Jewish calendar. This day marks the beginning of the new Jewish year.

Background:

• On 8 August 2023, Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration recommended that Hasidim refrain from visiting Uman on 15-17 September, but claimed to be taking steps to strengthen security measures. These include provision of medical care, functioning of catering establishments, work by public utilities, and anti-epidemic measures. 
• In 2022, pilgrims came to Uman for Rosh Hashanah despite warnings about the danger of staying in Ukraine. 
• Every year, Hasidim come to Uman to visit the grave of Tzaddik [prayer leader, literally "righteous one"] Nachman of Breslov. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hasidim from all over the world.

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