Israeli Officials Coordinate With Military Ahead of Large Pilgrim Airlift to Uman Amid War Restrictions

Preliminary data indicates a significant increase in the number of pilgrims traveling to Uman this year, with over 45,000 worshippers from Israel alone expected to make the journey. This marks the fourth consecutive year that large crowds will visit Uman under military restrictions due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which has led to the closure of Ukrainian airspace. Most visitors are anticipated to land in neighboring Moldova and Romania before crossing into Ukraine via arduous land routes, including the main border crossing at Mohyliv-Podilskyi.

Thousands more pilgrims from Jewish communities worldwide are also expected to join the influx. During a professional coordination meeting, Yulia Mandryka, acting head of the Department for Nationalities and Religions in the military administration, emphasized that amid wartime conditions, the top priority is ensuring the strict security of travelers. She called for full and continuous coordination between local security forces and event organizers.

Security and legal guidelines were reinforced, including strict enforcement of nighttime curfews and a complete ban on possession or transfer of items prohibited under the country's emergency laws. These measures aim to maintain order and safety during the pilgrimage under challenging wartime circumstances.