Ukraine's and Israel's law-enforcement authorities have taken a joint decision to recommend Hasidic pilgrims to refrain from visiting Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah due to the high likelihood of Russia rocket attacks and other actions aimed at destabilising interethnic relations and damaging Ukraine's international image, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has said.
Law enforcers are checking the available information, which concerns possible threats to the stay of pilgrims in our state to ensure a timely comprehensive response.
"Currently, special attention is focused on the anti-terrorist safety of pilgrimage sites and routes of movement of believers. For this purpose, counter-sabotage and anti-terrorist measures are being carried out on a permanent basis, control over the illegal trafficking of weapons and dangerous substances is being strengthened, the pilgrimage area and the surrounding areas are under constant video surveillance, " the SBU said.
Still, despite all security measures, Russia may use the arrival and mass gathering of pilgrims to stage provocations.
"Taking into account the above-mentioned information, we would like to ask you to refrain from travelling to Ukraine. And those who do decide to make the pilgrimage should strictly observe the security requirements: curfew, response to air-raid alarms, as well as follow all the instructions of representatives of law-enforcement agencies. This is the only way to minimize the risks for believers on this important holiday for the Jewish people," the SBU said.
Every autumn Hasidic pilgrims come to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, which literally means "the beginning of the year", at the grave of their spiritual leader Rabbi Nachman.
This year, despite the warning not to make the pilgrimage to Uman because of the war, almost half a thousand Hasidim have already arrived at the city.