Uman expects record Jewish pilgrimage despite martial law

This year, Uman will host a large gathering of pilgrims for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, which will take place from September 18 to 24. According to organizers, about 45,000 worshippers are expected to arrive in the city, despite martial law and restrictions on large events. The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience has reported that this will be the largest Jewish pilgrimage in the world outside of Israel. This was stated on the agency’s official website.

On August 12, a coordination meeting chaired by the head of the State Service, Viktor Yelenskyi, brought together representatives of key ministries, law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and security services. Among the participants were officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Culture, the National Police, the State Border Guard Service, the State Emergency Service, the State Customs Service, the leadership of the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration, and Uman Mayor Iryna Pletnyova.

According to Nathan Ben-Nun, Executive Director of the International Rabbi Nachman of Breslov Foundation, around 45,000 visitors are expected this year. Mayor Iryna Pletnyova confirmed that Uman is prepared to receive the pilgrims but acknowledged significant challenges due to security risks amid the ongoing Russian military aggression.

It should also be noted that the government of Moldova has taken on a mediating role in organizing the pilgrimage of Hasidic Jews from Israel to Uman. Moldovan officials expressed concern about preventing any provocations against the Hasidim while they are on the country’s territory.