Ukraine Issues Security Warning to Pilgrims Traveling to Uman for Jewish New Year

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official warning on Wednesday to pilgrims planning to travel to Uman for the Jewish New Year, urging them to reconsider their trip due to ongoing war with Russia and related security threats. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims, mostly from Israel, visit Uman to pray near the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov during Rosh Hashanah. Despite the conflict, pilgrimages have continued, but Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly cautioned about the risks involved.

The ministry highlighted that the Russian invasion, ongoing for over four years, along with frequent missile attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure, sabotage, and terrorism, pose serious threats to both residents and foreign visitors. It stated that Ukraine cannot guarantee full security for foreign nationals within its territory under current conditions. Pilgrims were advised to take these risks into account before deciding to travel.

Authorities also noted that martial law remains in effect in Ukraine, imposing restrictions such as nightly curfews, limited freedom of movement, increased security patrols, bans on public gatherings, and enforcement actions against violators. Additional challenges for pilgrims include heavy congestion at land border crossings, transportation delays due to attacks on infrastructure, shortages of bomb shelters to accommodate visitors during air raid alerts, and limited medical personnel and facilities in Uman.

The Foreign Ministry recommended that those who still plan to visit should stay updated on instructions from Ukrainian authorities, including the Interior Ministry, police, border guard, customs, emergency services, Cherkasy regional government, and Uman municipality. The statement also reminded pilgrims to be aware of local tourism tax payment procedures in Uman.