More than 40,000 pilgrims may arrive in Uman for Rosh Hashanah

More than 40,000 Hasidic pilgrims may arrive in Uman for this year’s Rosh Hashanah celebrations. As of September 10, more than 31,000 pilgrims had already entered Ukraine as part of organized groups.

This was reported by UNN, citing Andriy Demchenko, a spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

According to the State Border Guard Service spokesperson, the main influx of pilgrims occurs in the days leading up to the Jewish New Year. In 2026, Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of September 11 and will last until the evening of September 13.

The largest number of Hasidic pilgrims arrived on September 7, 8, and 9. In just one day, on September 9, 13,700 Hasidic pilgrims crossed the Ukrainian border. On Monday and Tuesday combined, another 11,600 people entered Ukraine.

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine notes that if the high rate of arrivals continues, the total number of pilgrims could exceed 40,000. Border guards will be able to provide exact figures once the main influx of arrivals has subsided.

Pilgrims are arriving in Ukraine via various routes. Until September 7, a significant portion of the flow crossed the border from Moldova. However, in recent days, most Hasidic pilgrims have been crossing the border through Poland and Romania.

The State Border Guard Service also reported that there have been no emergencies related to the pilgrims’ entry so far. At the same time, 13 foreigners were denied entry because they did not meet the requirements of Ukrainian law regarding the entry of foreigners.

Separately, border guards explained the situation regarding the lines, photos of which had appeared online. According to Andriy Demchenko, when an organized group arrives by bus at a pedestrian crossing, a large crowd may form near the checkpoint. However, once they pass through security, such a line can quickly dissipate.

Every year, Hasidim travel to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah at the grave of the tzaddik Nachman of Bratslav. This pilgrimage traditionally draws tens of thousands of people from around the world.