Ukraine Prepares to Host Tens of Thousands of Breslov Hasidim in Uman Despite Ongoing War

In an exclusive interview ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day, Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Kornichuk discussed the ongoing war with Russia, which has lasted over four and a half years, emphasizing the heavy toll on civilians and the enduring hope for peace. He described Independence Day as a deeply meaningful occasion this year, marked by both national pride and profound pain for the soldiers and civilians affected by the conflict.

Daily life in Ukraine remains challenging, with citizens striving to maintain normal routines amid frequent missile and drone attacks targeting cities and civilian infrastructure. Kornichuk highlighted the shared experience of living under threat, drawing parallels with Israelis familiar with rocket alerts and security concerns, fostering a deep human understanding between the two peoples.

Despite the war, Ukraine is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidic pilgrims to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, one of the world's largest Jewish pilgrimages. Authorities are coordinating across government ministries, local administrations, police, emergency services, border control, and healthcare to manage entry, security, shelter, medical services, accommodation, and food. However, the ambassador stressed that full security cannot be guaranteed due to the ongoing military situation and urged all visitors to strictly follow official guidelines and alerts.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issued a special statement on July 29, 2026, warning about military regulations, curfews, movement restrictions, and the potential for enforcement measures. Additional challenges include transportation delays caused by damaged infrastructure, insufficient civil defense shelters in Uman, and limited medical personnel and facilities. To improve conditions, the Ukrainian embassy has compiled a list of urgent medical supplies and equipment, shared with Israel's Foreign Ministry and the ultra-Orthodox community leaders.

Kornichuk emphasized Ukraine's commitment to respecting religious freedom and Jewish traditions despite the war, viewing the pilgrimage as a symbol of the deep historical ties between Ukraine and its Jewish community. He urged pilgrims to prepare carefully, adhere to safety instructions, and prioritize their well-being. Concluding, he expressed gratitude to Israelis supporting Ukraine and reiterated the hope that one day Ukraine will celebrate its independence in peace and security.