Breslov Rabbis Thank Ukrainian Official for Support Ahead of Rosh Hashanah Pilgrimage

Ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday and amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine, representatives of the Breslov Hasidic movement met with Viktor Yelensky, head of Ukraine's State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, in Kyiv. The meeting, which included Rabbi Yaakov Shiloach, the rabbi of Uman, Natan Ben Nun, chairman of the Breslov Union in Uman, and Nachman Dikstein from the ZAKA organization, focused on the arrangements for the annual pilgrimage to Uman and coordination with Ukrainian authorities given the security situation.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Shiloach and Ben Nun presented Yelensky with a certificate of appreciation from Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shachter and Rabbi Moshe Kramer, senior leaders of the Breslov Hasidic movement. The certificate expressed gratitude for the assistance and cooperation from Ukrainian authorities in facilitating the successful and secure observance of the annual prayer gathering in Uman.

"This certificate is awarded to you as a token of thanks for your blessed work, your professional management, and your sincere dedication, which enable the successful and secure observance of the annual prayer gathering in Uman," the certificate stated. The rabbis also acknowledged efforts to streamline necessary arrangements and the collaborative work with Breslov representatives in Uman.

Rabbi Yaakov Shiloach commented after the meeting, "It was important for us to express our appreciation to Viktor Yelensky for his attentiveness and cooperation throughout the process. During wartime, when the reality is much more complex, joint work with the authorities takes on even greater importance. We appreciate the willingness to help remove obstacles and allow the continuation of the Rosh Hashanah tradition in Uman."

Tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim and worshippers from Israel and other countries typically travel to Uman each year for Rosh Hashanah to be near the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the annual gathering has become more complex, requiring coordination with local and state authorities on security and logistical matters.