On August 12, 2025, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Viktor Yelensky, Head of the State Service for Pilgrimage Affairs (DES), bringing together representatives of relevant ministries, agencies, other government agencies, and local self-government bodies to coordinate joint efforts aimed at ensuring the proper organization of the pilgrimage and the safety of pilgrims. This was reported by the DESC press service.
The event was attended by representatives of all key ministries, state services, local government officials, and civil society organizations, namely: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the State Customs Service, as well as the Cherkasy Regional State Administration (RSA), Uman Mayor Iryna Pletnyova, Iryna Rybnytska, Executive Director of the “Historical and Cultural Center of Uman” Charitable Foundation; Nathan Ben Nun, Chairman of the Rabbi Nachman International Charitable Foundation; and other officials.
During the discussion, among the issues requiring priority attention, the need to ensure orderly border crossings for pilgrims and compliance with safety requirements, the development of a pilgrimage zone in Uman, the implementation of a transparent model for paying the tourist tax, and living and dining conditions for pilgrims were emphasized.
Uman Mayor Iryna Pletnyova confirmed the city’s readiness to welcome pilgrims, noting that proper sanitary conditions have been ensured and an emergency response plan has been developed. She noted that threats related to Russian military aggression pose significant challenges for local authorities.
Natan Ben-Nun, Executive Director of the International Rabbi Nachman of Breslov Foundation, noted that approximately 45,000 pilgrims are expected to visit Uman this year. Following the meeting, it was decided to ensure the operation of a permanent Coordination Headquarters based in Uman and to hold additional working meetings with the leadership of the “Historical and Cultural Center of the City of Uman” Charitable Foundation, the International Rabbi Nachman of Breslov Foundation, and the Uman City Council to coordinate efforts to resolve issues related to the arrival and stay of pilgrims in Uman for the Rosh Hashanah celebration.
Every year, the city of Uman in the Cherkasy region becomes the center of the world’s largest pilgrimage of Jews outside of Israel. Tens of thousands of Jews from around the world, primarily Bratslav Hasidim, flock to Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year—Rosh Hashanah—which this year will take place September 18–24.