Record 57,000 Jewish Pilgrims Flock to Uman for Rosh Hashanah Amid Air Raid Sirens
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
A record number of approximately 52,000 to 57,000 Jewish pilgrims converged on Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah, significantly increasing the city's population. A joint force of around 1,000 Ukrainian and 17 Israeli police officers is ensuring security amidst the ongoing war.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Record 52,000-57,000 pilgrims attended Rosh Hashanah in Uman.
- Pilgrimage numbers nearly doubled the city's resident population.
- 1,000 Ukrainian and 17 Israeli police are providing security.
- Pilgrims must follow Ukrainian wartime regulations.
- Israeli delegation departs September 16.
An estimated 52,000 to 57,000 Jewish pilgrims have gathered in Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah celebrations, marking an all-time record for the annual pilgrimage to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. The previous record was around 40,000 pilgrims.
This influx of visitors is significant given Uman's resident population of approximately 75,000 people, effectively doubling the city's size for the holiday period. Ukrainian authorities have deployed around 1,000 law enforcement and security personnel, including national police, national guard, and security services, to manage the event.
A delegation of 17 Israeli police officers, fluent in Russian, is also present in Uman to assist their Ukrainian counterparts. This joint effort includes patrolling streets and operating checkpoints, with security measures enhanced due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Air raid sirens are a nightly occurrence, and a curfew is in effect from midnight to 4:00 AM.
Israeli officers are advising pilgrims to adhere strictly to Ukrainian regulations to avoid potential sanctions, such as arrest or expulsion. Despite the security concerns, the situation in Uman is reported as calm. Law enforcement did detain a small number of individuals for drug-related offenses and passport violations prior to the holiday.
The pilgrimage includes major events like the Tikkun HaKlali prayer, which saw tens of thousands participating. The Israeli police delegation is scheduled to remain until the main festivities conclude on September 16.
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