Hasidic pilgrims planning to travel to Uman for the Rosh Hashanah celebrations via checkpoints in the Odesa region are advised to carefully consider security risks when planning their route.
This is stated in an informational bulletin from the Press and Information Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Odesa region regarding the risks associated with Hasidic pilgrims traveling through the Odesa region.
According to police, there are 8 international border crossing points in the Odesa region that Hasidic pilgrims may use to continue their journey to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.
All routes pass through the bridge in Mayaky
The bulletin notes that all border crossing points, without exception, are located in the southern part of the Odesa region. The onward transfer of Hasidic pilgrims to Uman will take place across the Dniester River in the town of Mayaky.
Currently, according to information from the Press and Public Relations Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Odesa region, there is no alternative route.
This means that pilgrims arriving in Ukraine via Moldova or Romania and heading toward the Odesa region should anticipate heavy traffic on this stretch of road, traffic delays, and security restrictions.
The bridge in Mayaky is under threat of attack
The police warn that the enemy is systematically attempting to strike the bridge in the town of Mayaky.
According to an intelligence briefing, the following may be used in these attacks:
- attack drones;
- cruise missiles;
- ballistic missiles;
- guided aerial bombs.
Such threats pose a risk to traffic and the safety of people along the route.
That is why Hasidic pilgrims, transportation companies, tour operators, and bus drivers should closely monitor official announcements and be prepared for possible changes in traffic conditions.
During an air raid alert, traffic on the bridge may be halted
To ensure public safety, security and defense forces implement preventive measures when an “Air Raid Alert” is sounded.
In particular, vehicle traffic across the bridge over the Dniester River in Mayaky may be temporarily suspended.
This means that even if the route is open, traffic may be halted for a certain period in the event of an air raid alert or an increased threat of an attack.
Pilgrims should take this into account when planning their arrival time in Uman, booking accommodations, organizing bus routes, and planning further travel within Ukraine.
Possible prolonged delays due to bridge damage
The information bulletin also notes that the bridge has already been damaged on multiple occasions. As a result, vehicle traffic on this section of the road has been suspended for extended periods—until repair work was completed.
Therefore, pilgrims planning a route through the southern part of the Odesa region should be aware that the trip may take longer than expected.
This is especially important for large organized groups, bus tours, and those planning to arrive in Uman just before the start of Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
Who Should Pay Attention to This Warning
This information is primarily relevant for Hasidic pilgrims traveling to Uman via:
- Moldova;
- Romania;
- border crossings in the Odesa region;
- southern highway routes;
- organized bus services.
This information is also important for transport providers, group coordinators, drivers, tour operators, and anyone accompanying pilgrims to Uman.
What pilgrims need to consider before their trip
Hasidic pilgrims planning to travel to Uman via the Odesa region are advised to:
- check the route in advance;
- keep in mind that the rest of the journey may go over the bridge in Mayaky;
- plan their trip with plenty of time to spare;
- monitor air raid alerts;
- comply with the instructions of law enforcement and military personnel;
- be aware that the bridge may be temporarily closed to traffic;
- check official announcements regarding the security situation;
- have the contact information for the carrier, group coordinator, and emergency services.
Why This Is Important Ahead of Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah in Uman traditionally draws thousands of Hasidic pilgrims. Due to the suspension of air travel in Ukraine, most pilgrims arrive by land through neighboring countries.
Border crossings from Moldova and Romania may be among the key routes for entering Ukraine. At the same time, the southern part of the Odesa region poses specific risks related to the security situation, enemy attacks, and possible travel restrictions.
Therefore, planning your route in advance can help you avoid unnecessary delays, better organize your transfer, and make the journey to Uman more predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pilgrims does this warning apply to?
This warning applies to Hasidic pilgrims planning to travel to Uman via border crossings in the Odesa region, particularly from Moldova and Romania.
Why is the bridge in Mayaky important?
According to information from the Press Service of the Main Department of the National Police in the Odesa region, the onward transfer of pilgrims through southern Odesa region will take place across the Dniester River in the town of Mayaky. There is currently no alternative route.
Can traffic on the bridge be stopped?
Yes. During an “air raid alert,” security and defense forces may halt vehicle traffic across the Dniester River bridge to ensure public safety.
Has the bridge been damaged?
According to police, the bridge has sustained repeated damage, which has caused traffic on this section to be suspended for extended periods until repairs were completed.
What should pilgrims do?
Plan your route with plenty of time to spare, follow official announcements, comply with the instructions of the authorities, and allow for possible delays on the route through the Odesa region.
Hasidic pilgrims traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah via the Odesa region, Moldova, or Romania should carefully consider the security situation along their route.
According to information from the Press and Information Service of the Main Department of the National Police in the Odesa region, all international border crossings in the region are located in its southern part, and the route to Uman continues across the bridge in Mayaky. Due to the enemy’s systematic attempts to strike this structure, as well as the possibility of traffic being halted during air raid alerts, pilgrims should plan their journey with plenty of time to spare and monitor official announcements.
Safety during the trip to Uman must be the top priority.