A Ukrainian diplomat in Moldova said that Ukraine will not prevent Hasidic pilgrims who want to visit Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year.
This statement was made during a round table with the participation of representatives of many countries and bodies on preparations for the pilgrimage to Rosh Hashanah 5783. The meeting took place on July 20 in Chisinau. It was initiated by Rabbi Pinhas Salzman of Moldova. This is reported by the Jewish News website.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the US embassy headed by deputy ambassador and political adviser, deputy ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova Volodymyr Manzhola, chairman of the Rabbi Nachman Foundation Nathan Ben Noon, and Israeli representatives of Moldovan Airlines Air Moldova and Hi-Sky and representatives of immigration authorities and security forces at the borders of Moldova.
Rabbi Saltzman presented expert assessments according to which the majority of Bratslav followers who came to Uman for Rosh Hashanah will land in Moldova, given the relative proximity of Uman and the long border between Ukraine and Moldova. The rabbi also explained to the audience the great importance of Rosh Hashanah for the Bratslav Hasidim, as well as their dedication to the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav.
The Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova said at the meeting that his country will not prevent the visit of Uman pilgrims to Rosh Hashanah and that the embassy will help Hasidim. American diplomats have expressed their willingness to help with bureaucratic and security issues.
This year's main wave of Jewish pilgrims will move to Uman via Moldova as a transit point. Active consultations with interested organizations and diplomats on this issue continue in Moldova's Jewish communities.