The Union of Breslov in Uman announced Sunday that preparations are underway for the arrival of tens of thousands of Jewish pilgrims from around the world who will mark Rosh Hashanah at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine, in less than a month. As part of the preparations, a special security coordination meeting was held this week with border police in the Vinnytsia region and other officials.
1+For the second time, tens of thousands of visitors will celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Uman under martial law conditions and will once again be forced to arrive via grueling overland routes—due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace as the country remains locked in an intense war with Russia. Accordingly, members of the Breslov Union met this week with border police in the Vinnytsia region, representatives of the military administration, senior local police officials, and others.
According to preliminary estimates presented at the meeting, this year is expected to see a surge in visitors, with more than 45,000 pilgrims expected to arrive from Israel alone, in addition to thousands more coming from Jewish communities around the world. The vast majority of visitors will make their way via overland travel through Ukraine’s land borders, after landing at airports in Moldova and Romania and crossing the border through checkpoints in the area, including the Mohyliv-Podilskyi border crossing.
1+“Under martial law conditions, the top priority is ensuring the safety of travelers,” said Yulia Mandryka, acting head of the Department for Nationalities and Religions of the Military Administration in Ukraine. “We must ensure that all authorities operate in full synchronization. The movement of worshippers must be organized and planned. Only joint work will allow us to minimize risks and ensure order on the roads.”
During the meeting, strict guidelines for pilgrims were emphasized, including adherence to curfew hours, during which movement on the streets at night is strictly prohibited, as well as a serious warning regarding the prohibition on carrying items banned under emergency laws.