Hasidim are arriving in Uman in large numbers

A massive influx of Hasidic pilgrims continues to arrive in Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. As of September 8, more than 8,000 believers had already arrived in the city, and the number of arrivals is increasing significantly every day.

In connection with this large-scale event, local authorities have implemented special traffic regulations, which will be in effect from September 4 through September 17. According to Igor Taburets, head of the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration, traffic rules in the city have been modified: vehicle access is completely prohibited on certain routes, while reinforced checkpoints have been set up on others. The only exception is for pilgrims traveling from the Kyiv–Odesa highway.

In addition to traffic restrictions, a strict list of prohibitions has been introduced in the pilgrimage area . In particular, the sale of alcoholic beverages, fireworks, and any items that could be used as weapons—including airsoft guns and knives—is prohibited. These measures are intended to ensure public order under martial law.

Although tens of thousands of believers visit Uman annually to pay their respects at Rabbi Nachman’s grave, this year the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. State Department have strongly advised against traveling to the region. The warnings were prompted by high security risks stemming from Russian shelling and restrictions in place in the country due to the war.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that the traditional annual religious procession, which was scheduled to begin on August 19 from the Holy Trinity Brailov Women’s Monastery to the Dormition Pochaiv Lavra, will not take place this year. The decision to cancel the event was made due to the martial law in effect and a corresponding order from the Vinnytsia Regional Administration.