Despite the recommendation not to travel to Uman, more than 30 thousand Hasidim intend to come to the city in September for the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, reported the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience.
"Traditionally, on the Jewish New Year, thousands of Hasidim come to Uman to visit the grave of Tzaddik Nachman of Breslov, who bequeathed them this annual pilgrimage. Despite persistent recommendations to refrain from going to Uman as much as possible, given the war, regular large-scale attacks on our country and possible provocations by Russia, Hasidim perceive this trip as their religious duty," the message states.
It is noted that the arrival of such a large number of pilgrims in a country at war requires serious security, logistical, medical and other measures on the part of the state authorities.
The priority issues that are currently being resolved are the order of entry and registration, the safety of pilgrims, the well-being of the neighborhood, living conditions, food for pilgrims, and creation of decent conditions for them to express their religious feelings.
The mayor of Uman, Iryna Pletnyova, emphasised that the organisers of the event are primarily faced with security challenges, because it is almost impossible to protect such a large number of people from attacks, especially those concentrated in a relatively small area.
However, both the central and local authorities have gained considerable experience in organising pilgrimages and managed to resolve issues that seemed insoluble. This year, a website and hotline were set up for Hasidic pilgrims in Uman to provide the information about the temple, the rules for stay, and round-the-clock support.
Last year more than 23,000 Hasidim visited Uman. The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police also advised pilgrims to refrain from visiting Ukraine, as Russia may use the mass gathering of people for provocations.
During the Hasidic pilgrimage, the sale of alcohol was prohibited in Uman. A shelter was also prepared.