The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Hasidic pilgrims to refrain from travelling to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah due to the security situation in Ukraine, which is linked to the war and Russian shelling.
“The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Hasidic pilgrims planning to make a pilgrimage to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah to bear in mind that it is not possible to guarantee full security for foreign nationals on Ukrainian territory,” the statement, published on 29 July, reads.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs points out that should anyone visit Uman despite the warnings from the Ukrainian authorities, they should bear in mind that a legal regime of martial law is in force in Ukraine, which entails a number of additional regulations, in particular restrictions on freedom of movement, a curfew, increased patrolling, a ban on mass events and gatherings, as well as the use of coercive measures against those who fail to comply with the established restrictions.
The Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashanah – will be celebrated this year from 11 to 13 September.
In Uman lies the grave of the tzaddik (righteous one) Nachman, the founder of the so-called Bratslav Hasidic movement – one of the most revered holy sites and a place of pilgrimage for followers of this movement. All Jews belonging to this Hasidic movement consider it their duty to visit the grave of the tzaddik Nachman at least once in their lifetime and believe that if they celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Uman, the New Year will certainly be a happy one for them.
Security measures in Uman are usually stepped up during Rosh Hashanah.
Last year, according to Ukraine’s border service, more than 35,000 Hasidim travelled to the town for the celebrations, despite warnings issued on security grounds.