The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasized the ongoing danger to the life and health of citizens due to Russian aggression, especially ahead of the Rosh Hashanah celebrations, which will take place this year from September 22 to 24. The ministry issued an official statement urging foreign Hasidic pilgrims to carefully assess the risks associated with being in Ukraine, as it is impossible to guarantee full security under martial law.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Main Restrictions and Recommendations for Pilgrims
The Ministry notes that martial law remains in effect in Ukraine, which entails a number of additional regulations: restrictions on freedom of movement, the introduction of a curfew, increased patrolling, a ban on mass events and gatherings, as well as the possibility of enforcement actions against those who do not comply with established rules.
«In the event of visiting Uman despite the warnings from the Ukrainian authorities, it should be noted that martial law is in effect in Ukraine, which includes a number of additional regulations, particularly restrictions on freedom of movement, a curfew, increased patrolling, a ban on mass events and gatherings, as well as enforcement actions against individuals who do not adhere to the established restrictions,» the ministry stated.
The Ministry specifically asks potential visitors to consider the following risks:
- Possible overload of ground transportation and delays due to shelling of transportation infrastructure.
- Lack of shelters in areas of mass congregation of pilgrims in Uman.
- Insufficient number of medical personnel and facilities to serve the pilgrims.
Pilgrims’ Routes and the Significance of the Shrine
According to the Vinnytsia Regional State Administration, Vinnytsia region is a transit zone for pilgrims heading to Uman. Routes will pass through the airports of Moldova and Romania with subsequent border crossing at the “Mohyliv-Podilskyi” checkpoint, as well as from Poland by train to Vinnytsia station and then by bus to the destination.
This year, it is expected that over 40,000 Hasidim will arrive in Ukraine, exceeding last year’s figure—over 33,500 pilgrims visited Uman then. The central place of celebration is the grave of Rabbi Nachman, the founder of the Bratslav Hasidic movement. Representatives of this movement consider it their duty to visit this holy site at least once in their lifetime, believing that celebrating the New Year on Rosh Hashanah here will bring them happiness.
For additional information regarding the pilgrimage to Uman, the Ministry recommends contacting relevant ministries and services, as well as local authorities.