An interagency meeting was held in Uman to discuss security measures during the stay of Hasidic pilgrims who will be arriving in the city for Rosh Hashanah 2026. This was reported by the National Police press service.
A large influx of pilgrims is expected starting September 6. In light of this, law enforcement agencies, special services, emergency responders, border guards, and the Migration Service have coordinated joint actions to ensure public safety and order.
The meeting was chaired by Maxim Tsutsikiridze, acting head of the National Police of Ukraine. Representatives from the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Guard, the State Emergency Service, the State Border Guard Service, and the State Migration Service of Ukraine participated in the meeting.
According to Maksym Tsutsikiridze, given the threats of drone and missile attacks, law enforcement agencies must ensure the safety of pilgrims from the moment they cross the border until they leave Ukraine.
At the same time, attention will also be paid to the safety of local residents.
This is particularly important because a large number of foreign pilgrims traditionally gather in Uman during Rosh Hashanah, and the city’s infrastructure is under increased strain.
During the meeting, a set of measures to be implemented in September while Hasidic pilgrims are in Ukraine was discussed.
Key areas:
Law enforcement agencies agreed on coordination between the National Police, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the National Guard, the State Emergency Service (SES), the State Border Guard Service (SBGS), and the State Migration Service (SMS).
This involves joint operations along travel routes, in areas of large crowds, near pilgrims’ accommodations, and at border crossing points.
Special attention was given to preventive measures to thwart terrorist threats, acts of sabotage, and provocations.
In the context of war, such risks are considered one of the key areas of focus for intelligence agencies and law enforcement.
Fire safety and industrial accident prevention measures are planned for areas where large numbers of pilgrims gather and stay.
This is important for facilities where large numbers of people may be present at the same time.
Plans also call for the deployment of special monitoring stations and assistance points.
These stations are intended to facilitate a rapid response to requests for assistance, potential incidents, or emergencies.
Law enforcement officials devoted a separate section to assessing the readiness of border crossing points to process pilgrims.
The discussion focused on projected passenger traffic and security screening measures during entry into and exit from Ukraine.
This is important for pilgrims planning to travel to Uman via Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, or other countries.
Maksym Tsutsikiridze emphasized that law enforcement agencies must do everything possible to prevent violations of the law.
If such incidents do occur, the response will be immediate and decisive—up to and including a ban on further entry into Ukraine for violators.
This applies to situations that could threaten public order, the safety of pilgrims, local residents, or the operations of government agencies.
Uman is one of the main pilgrimage sites for the Bratslav Hasidim. The city is home to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav—the founder of this branch of Judaism.
Every year on Rosh Hashanah, thousands of pilgrims come to Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year at the grave of Rabbi Nachman.
In 2026, Rosh Hashanah will last from the evening of September 11 through the evening of September 13.
Pilgrims planning a trip to Uman should, in advance: