Number of Hasidic pilgrims in Uman will increase this year

Despite the difficult situation in Ukraine, more than 35 thousand Hasidic pilgrims from 25 countries will come to Uman, Cherkasy region, this year to celebrate the new year 5775 Jews Rosh Hashanah on September 24.

According to a UNIAN correspondent, this was reported by deputy Interior Minister of Israel Faina Kirshenbaum during a meeting with the head of Cherkasy Regional State Administration Yuriy Tkachenko.

She said that this year the number of pilgrims would increase significantly compared to last year. Also the number of Hasid pilgrims from Israel will increase, and they are not afraid to go to Ukraine.

According to Kirshenbaum, 18 Israeli policemen instead of 12 (last year) will come to Ukraine to ensure safety of residents of Uman and Hasid pilgrims. Also a visa section of the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine will operate this year in Uman.

Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Eliab Byelotserkovski told the journalists that “all our requests for safety of pilgrims have been met, and we in turn will strive to meet all the needs of local authorities.” He noted that the Hasidim have engaged in a successful dialogue with local NGOs.

Head of Cherkasy Regional State Administration Tkachenko said that the visit of the Israeli delegation in a difficult time for Ukraine should be seen as another expression of support from this country. He thanked the Israelis for their help in the treatment of the Ukrainians affected by the events at Maidan and in the ATO area.

Last year, according to Jewish calendar the New Year was celebrated at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman in Uman by nearly 30 thousand pilgrims from 16 countries, mainly from Israel.

Note: Each year the adherents of Jewish Hasidism gather in Uman. Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav (1772-1810) is the founder of Braclaw Hasidism. He was buried in Uman in the Jewish cemetery. The tomb of Rabbi is one of the most revered shrines of Hasidim and the annual mass pilgrimage site