Every Jewish New Year, thousands of Hasidic pilgrims go to Uman and turn this city into a mini-Jerusalem.

This year, about 30 thousand pilgrims are expected in the city of Uman.

Despite the current situation, Jewish pilgrims go to Uman in central Ukraine to celebrate Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year). 22 thousand pilgrims have already gathered in the city, and pilgrims continue to arrive. Last year, 29 thousand Hasidim came to Uman. Even a journey of several days and the danger of rocket attacks do not stop them.

Why Uman?

The Uman pilgrimage goes back more than 200 years. It is cemented on Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, who died in Uman in 1810 and was a great-grandson of the man widely considered the founder of Hasidic Judaism. It was to Uman that Nachman moved before his death, he wanted to be buried where Jewish victims from different times were buried. Hasidim believe that if you go to your teacher’s grave on New Year’s Day, you will be happy all year round.

Police from Israel arrived to Uman during the Rosh Hashanah celebration, and together with Ukrainian police they serve in the Hasidic pilgrimage places, reports the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. Also, in order to ensure fire and technogenic safety, a special department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine will be deployed in the Cherkasy region for the period from September 12 to 19.

Mobile posts of the State Emergency Service, a fire-fighting robot, a canine crew and a crew on a special radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicle were involved. In places where pilgrims gather in large numbers, the situation is monitored 24/7. Additionally, foot patrols of the State Emergency Service are involved.

Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Hasidim to refrain from pilgrimage to Uman, given the risks of explosions, this does not really stop anyone.

In Uman, during the Rosh Hashanah celebration, a special regime for the entry and exit of citizens will be introduced.

The head of the Cherkasy police department, Igor Taburets, called on local residents and visitors to follow safety rules. The government also reminded that the curfew from 00:00 to 4:00 applies to everyone. According to the head of the Cherkassy Regional Police Department, the situation in Uman is stable and controllable.