Despite warnings from officials in Ukraine and Israel about potential security risks, approximately 35,000 Jewish pilgrims made the journey to Uman in Cherkasy Oblast to celebrate Rosh Hashana this year, according to local authorities. The pilgrims came together to pray at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman, a significant figure in the Hasidic movement, despite the ongoing war with Russia in the country.
Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman, a prominent leader in Ukraine’s Jewish community, had previously advised against the pilgrimage due to safety concerns. However, many pilgrims still chose to make the trip, as it is an annual tradition for them.
“Every year, since Russia’s full-scale invasion, I speak on Israeli television and radio, urging pilgrims not to come to Ukraine. My main concern is for the safety and lives of people,” Rabbi Azman said, according to the Associated Press.
This year, more than 14,000 Jewish pilgrims were unable to travel to Uman due to complications arising from Iran’s missile attack on Israel earlier in the week. The attack, which saw nearly 180 missiles fired, resulted in the cancellation of several flights from Israel. The timing of the pilgrimage also coincided with heightened tensions in the Middle East, including Israel’s conflicts with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and various Iran-backed militant groups.
With Ukraine’s airspace closed since Russia’s invasion, pilgrims had to travel overland through other European countries to reach Uman. Despite the challenges and risks, many pilgrims were determined to continue their annual tradition of visiting the tomb of Rabbi Nachman.
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