The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging Hasidim to refrain from making a pilgrimage to Uman for the Jewish New Year celebrations.
This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Russia’s widespread and ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, the massive and sustained rocket attacks on Ukrainian settlements, civilian infrastructure, and transportation infrastructure, as well as the occupiers’ ongoing acts of sabotage and provocations, make it impossible to guarantee the safety of foreign citizens on Ukrainian territory.
In light of the real threats to people’s lives and safety, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urges Hasidic pilgrims to refrain this year from making the pilgrimage to Uman as part of the Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
Should you decide to visit Uman despite the above warnings, please be aware that Ukraine is currently under a state of emergency, which entails a series of additional regulations, including restrictions on freedom of movement, the imposition of a curfew, increased patrols, a ban on mass events and gatherings, as well as the imposition of coercive measures against those who fail to comply with the established restrictions.
Additional circumstances to consider when planning travel to Ukraine:
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- Overcrowding on land transportation routes to Ukraine and possible significant delays in train service due to massive shelling of transportation infrastructure;
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- A shortage of civil defense facilities to shelter pilgrims at their mass gathering sites in the city of Uman;
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- A shortage of medical personnel and medical facilities in Uman to ensure medical care for the pilgrims;
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- The possibility of additional restrictions being imposed on the entry (online registration) and stay of Hasidic pilgrims in Ukraine.
It should be noted that the Israeli Embassy expects more than 30,000 Hasidic pilgrims to arrive in Uman for this year’s Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
This year, the Jewish New Year celebrations will take place from September 15 to 17, 2023.