The Ukrainian and US authorities are asking Hasidic Jews not to travel to Uman this year

The city authorities of Uman, as well as the diplomatic missions of the United States and Ukraine, are urging Hasidim not to visit Uman in 2025. The reason given is the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. In addition, the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel points out that the Israeli authorities have not yet established contact with the Ukrainian government on this issue.

On September 9, 2025, a meeting was held at the Uman City Council between Mayor Iryna Pletnyova and representatives of the US Embassy in Ukraine. The main topic of the meeting was the preparation for the reception of Hasidic pilgrims in Uman. Following the discussion, the parties issued a joint statement calling on Hasidim to refrain from making the pilgrimage.

“The city authorities, together with the US Embassy, urge pilgrims to refrain from coming to Uman due to Russia’s ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine,” — the statement said.

At the same time, Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk complained in an interview with The Times of Israel that the government agencies of the two countries have not yet agreed on all the necessary aspects of the Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman. Korniychuk believes that this year, Hasidic Jews will face “many surprises” when they arrive in Ukraine.

“They believe that everything has been agreed upon through the leaders of Jewish religious communities, who then contacted Ukrainian officials. Time is running out. We don’t know what’s going on,” — the official said.

The ambassador added that Ukraine and Israel must jointly organize a significant Israeli police presence for pilgrims, who may number 40,000 this year. The countries must also agree on delegations of Israeli paramedics, rescuers, and the organization of temporary bomb shelters.

Kornichuk warns that if agreements are not reached, “we may be in for some surprises this year,” as public gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited during the war.

“We don’t need visitors during the war,” — he says, noting that the tourist fees paid by Jewish pilgrims are used to clean up the city after the holiday. During the war, this requires Ukraine’s resources, including thousands of rescuers.

«Why do they think this is our problem and not theirs? I am very surprised,» — the ambassador said.

Earlier, we reported that about 45,000 pilgrims from Israel will arrive for the annual Rosh Hashanah celebration, which Hasidic Jews hold in Uman. The celebration will take place from September 22 to 24, 2025.