The Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration (OVA) is urging Hasidim to refrain from the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to Uman, but is taking measures to increase security.
“Rosh Hashanah is in less than a month. As in the previous years of the war, we first of all recommend believers to consider the security situation in our country and refrain from visiting Uman. Regular Russian attacks and destruction of civilian objects, provocations are not just scaremongering, but Ukrainian everyday life, unfortunately…” – wrote the head of the regional military administration (OVA) Ihor Taburets in the Telegram channel on Tuesday.
At the same time, he noted that the local authorities will take all security measures for the believers who still dare to visit the cult place for them.
“Measures are complex. Of course, security measures will be strengthened as much as possible. We will inform about them. The emphasis is also on shelters. We are finalizing this point with specialized services – this was emphasized at today’s special commission. We are honing in on other areas as well: from the provision of medical assistance to sanitary and epidemic welfare… The key priority remains the same — the safety of local residents and visitors,” he clarified.
Taburets also said that during the pilgrimage, an operational headquarters will be on site to coordinate the work. Every year, tens of thousands of Jews who profess one of the currents of Judaism — Hasidism — make a pilgrimage to Uman, where the grave of the founder of Bratslav Hasidism, tzaddik Nachman, who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is located.
The pilgrimage is timed to celebrate the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah, which this year is celebrated from October 2 to 4.
Hasidim believe that if they meet Rosh Hashanah near the grave of Tzadik Nachman, then the next year will be very happy for them.
