Israeli and Ukrainian Religious Ministers Coordinate Security for Mass Pilgrimage to Uman

Ahead of the anticipated arrival of tens of thousands of pilgrims to Uman for Rosh Hashanah prayers at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Religious Services Yariv Levin held a preparatory call with Ukrainian Minister of Religious Affairs Viktor Yelensky. The discussion included key officials such as Yehuda Avidan, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Religious Services, and Nahman Steinberg, representative of the Zionist Federation in Ukraine. The meeting focused on logistical and security arrangements amid Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.

Minister Levin expressed appreciation for the Ukrainian government’s cooperation in facilitating the pilgrims’ visit despite the complex security situation. He emphasized the challenges of hosting large numbers of visitors in a country at war and requested Ukrainian efforts to ensure their safe arrival and well-being. Minister Yelensky affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to securing the pilgrims, acknowledging the significant security challenges faced by the country.

Yelensky also referenced Ukraine’s conflict with Iran-backed forces, expressing solidarity with Israel’s government and describing the Iranian threat as a global danger uniting Western countries. The conversation further addressed strengthening Israeli-Ukrainian ties regarding Jewish heritage sites, including the tombs of Rabbi Nachman in Uman, the Baal Shem Tov in Medzhybizh, Rabbi Shneur Zalman in Haditch, and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak in Berdichev. Yelensky conveyed Ukraine’s respect for Jerusalem, and both ministers exchanged mutual New Year greetings.

Minister Levin concluded by thanking Minister Yelensky, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the Ukrainian people for their cooperation and wished them a good and blessed year.