The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Hasidic pilgrims refrain from traveling to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
“Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, which has been ongoing for more than four years, along with constant, massive rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities, civilian and transportation infrastructure, and ongoing Russian terror, sabotage, and provocations, pose real threats to people’s lives and safety. Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urges Hasidic pilgrims planning to make a pilgrimage to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah to take into account that it is impossible to guarantee full security for foreign citizens on Ukrainian territory,” reads a statement released by the ministry’s press service.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that a legal regime of martial law is in effect in Ukraine. If pilgrims visit Uman despite the warnings from Ukrainian authorities, they should be aware of restrictions on freedom of movement, curfews, increased patrolling, and a ban on mass gatherings; violators may face enforcement measures.
In addition, other significant risks should be taken into account when planning a trip. Land transportation links with Ukraine remain overloaded, and significant delays are possible due to shelling. In Uman itself, there are not enough civil defense shelters to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims, and there is a shortage of medical personnel and facilities capable of providing qualified medical care.
For further clarification, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises contacting the National Police, the State Emergency Service, the Border Guard Service, and the Customs Service, as well as the Cherkasy Regional State Administration and the Uman City Council. Pilgrims who do decide to travel to the city are advised to familiarize themselves in advance with the rules for paying the tourist tax.
Every year on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, tens of thousands of Hasidic pilgrims arrive in Uman, Cherkasy Oblast, to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman, the founder of Bratslav Hasidism. Despite Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the pilgrimage continues, although Ukrainian authorities regularly urge foreigners to consider the security risks. In 2025, more than 35,000 pilgrims arrived in Uman for the Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
Hasid, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, pilgrimage, SECURITY, UMAN
Related:
