Israel, Ukraine Brace for 45,000 Hasidic Pilgrims in Uman
Israeli and Ukrainian ministers discuss security for 45,000 Hasidic pilgrims traveling to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, with Israel deploying police to assist.
Jerusalem, 25 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Justice Minister Yariv Levin, in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Religious Services Minister, spoke Tuesday evening with Ukrainian Religious Affairs Minister Viktor Yelensky in preparation for the arrival of Tens of Thousands of Hasidim on Rosh Hashanah in the historic city of Uman in central Ukraine.
Uman is the burial place of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, which every Rosh Hashanah attracts tens of thousands of his followers.
Hundreds of packed flights are expected to spread across six neighboring countries on the way to Ukraine: Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. Israel Police will deploy more than 40 officers to accompany travelers and station them at border crossings in Ukraine and Romania, as well as in Uman itself.
Levin asked his Ukrainian counterpart to do everything possible to ensure the safety of the worshippers. Yelensky stressed Ukrainian’ commitment to protecting the visitors despite the country’s complex security challenges.