Israeli Ambassador Visits Uman Ahead of Jewish New Year Pilgrimage

On September 3, 2025, the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, visited Uman in anticipation of the annual pilgrimage of Hasidic Jews for Rosh Hashanah celebrations. The visit, according to the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine's press service, included meetings with Uman's Mayor, Irina Pletneva, and the Director of Uman Central City Hospital, Ivan Khoptyany. A key outcome of the visit was the handover of a water purification system to the city hospital. This equipment was provided following a decision by Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar, who sent several such units to aid Ukraine. The new system is now operational, ensuring patients and nearby residents have a consistent supply of high-quality drinking water.

The ambassador's visit preceded the arrival of tens of thousands of pilgrims from Israel and other countries. These pilgrims annually travel to Uman to visit the grave of their spiritual leader, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a significant site for the Breslov Hasidic movement. City services and diplomatic missions typically collaborate to maintain security and order during this large-scale event.