Ukrainian Authorities Coordinate Security for Breslov Hasidim's Long Journey to Uman
As the Jewish New Year approaches, preparations intensify for the arrival of tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim and other Jewish pilgrims traveling to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine. This week, a special security coordination meeting was held with the Border Police in the Vinnytsia region of Ukraine to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The meeting took place at the Regional Center for National Cultures and included senior local government officials, representatives of the regional military administration, national police leadership, border guards, and Rabbi Nathan Ben Nun, chairman of the Breslov Union, who manages all Breslov affairs in Uman and Ukraine year-round and oversees the large pilgrimage during the High Holidays. Rabbi Shaul Horowitz, the chief rabbi of Vinnytsia, also participated, assisting the Hasidim for many years.
Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the closure of Ukrainian airspace, most pilgrims will travel overland, arriving via airports in Moldova and Romania and crossing into Ukraine through land border crossings such as Mohyliv-Podilskyi. Authorities are also preparing for large numbers arriving by train from Poland. Early estimates presented at the meeting forecast a significant increase in participants, with over 35,000 pilgrims expected from Israel alone, in addition to thousands from Jewish communities worldwide.
The discussion focused heavily on the challenges posed by the ongoing military conflict and martial law restrictions in Ukraine. Officials emphasized streamlining border crossing procedures to prevent system overload, proper traffic management, and strict public order enforcement. Deputy Head of the Military Administration's Department for Nationalities and Religions, Yulia Mandryka, stressed that "under martial law, the highest priority is the safety of travelers," and called for full coordination among all authorities to organize and plan the pilgrims' movement to minimize risks.
Strict guidelines were reiterated for the pilgrims, including adherence to curfew hours prohibiting nighttime street movement and a stern warning against carrying prohibited items under emergency laws. Rabbi Ben Nun expressed gratitude to the government and security forces for their extensive preparations and pledged that the Breslov Union would continue broad public education efforts to ensure all pilgrims comply fully with safety regulations and travel responsibly.
