The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has addressed believers planning to travel to Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year — Rosh Hashanah. The ministry made it clear that under conditions of full-scale war, it is impossible to guarantee the complete safety of foreign pilgrims.
As reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the MFA, Russian aggression has been ongoing for more than four years. Ukrainian cities are regularly subjected to massive missile strikes, and civilian and transport infrastructure remain under threat. Constant shelling, sabotage, and provocations create a real danger to human life.
Martial law and risks
The ministry emphasizes that pilgrims should take into account the legal regime of martial law currently in effect in the country. This imposes a number of restrictions and regulations on movement and stay in Ukraine.
The MFA paid special attention to logistical and infrastructural problems:
- Ground transport is overloaded, and movement may be delayed due to shelling of infrastructure.
- There are not enough places in civil defense shelters in Uman to accommodate all arriving pilgrims.
- The city lacks sufficient medical personnel and facilities capable of providing full medical care to a large influx of people.
Safety measures in Uman
Previously, the authorities of Uman had already taken additional security measures during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. During the period of mass gatherings, a ban on the sale of pyrotechnics, as well as alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, was introduced in the city.
The tradition of pilgrimage to the grave of the Tzaddik Nachman in Uman is an important part of the Days of Awe leading up to Yom Kippur. During these days, Hasidim from all over the world gather in the city to join prayers on the eve of the Jewish New Year. Despite the historical significance of the event, the current military situation makes the trip fraught with serious risks.
