Israelis Brace for Difficult Journey to Uman for Rosh Hashanah Pilgrimage

Tens of thousands of Israelis are preparing for the annual pilgrimage to Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah, facing unprecedented security challenges and logistical hurdles. Approximately 40,000 worshippers are expected to arrive this year, despite the ongoing conflict in the region. Already, around 2,000 individuals have landed and begun preparations on the ground.

Travelers departing from Israel will encounter a series of obstacles en route. Neighboring countries, serving as transit points, are on high alert. Poland's Foreign Ministry issued an urgent warning, advising travelers to avoid the Medyka-Shehyni border crossing due to infrastructure work limiting bus access. Meanwhile, Romania hosted a special meeting involving government officials, local police, and Israeli representatives to coordinate teams, provide translators, and establish refreshment areas at the borders.

Further complications are anticipated at the new European Union biometric border crossings (EES system), which require facial scans and fingerprints, potentially leading to significantly longer wait times. Upon arrival in Ukraine, visitors will face strict regulations due to the state of emergency. These include a strict nightly curfew from midnight to 4:00 AM, a complete ban on alcohol, and restrictions on light motorized vehicles and the importation of weapons or toy guns resembling them.

Local tourism authorities are also cautioning pilgrims about scams, particularly fraudulent "tourist taxes" being solicited online. They urge visitors to make payments exclusively through official channels to avoid deception.