Some of them – due to Iran's massive shelling of Israel, others due to the closure of airspace and the flight cancellations.
Public safety and order in Uman are being monitored by police officers, members of the National Guard of Ukraine, rescuers from the State Emergency Service, the Medical Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other services. Ukrainian police officers are on guard along with 16 Israeli colleagues, TSN reports.
In a comment to Suspilne, Deputy Mayor of Uman Oleh Hanich predicted a smaller number of pilgrims in 2024 compared to that in 2023:
“Last year, there were 35.5 thousand pilgrims. I think there will be less this year. Everyone watches the news and realizes that there is also a war in Israel. It has escalated, and many planes have not been allowed to leave Israel.”
In a comment to Novyny.LIVE, Hanich added that the Hasidim paid UAH 17 million in tourist tax. At the same time, the cost of cleaning and arrangement is estimated at UAH 2.5 million.
Prior to that, Ihor Taburets, Head of the Cherkasy Regional Military (State) Administration, reported that more than 33 thousand Hasidic pilgrims arrived in Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Most of them came from Israel, others - from the United States and the EU.