The head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, Viktor Yelensky, and a delegation of representatives of Jewish organizations in the United States discussed the preservation of the ancient Jewish cemetery in Uman, Cherkasy region.
"The central topic of the meeting was the preservation of the Ancient Jewish Cemetery in Uman. This cemetery is the burial place of tens of thousands of Jews who perished during the bloody massacre of 1768. For Jews worldwide, especially for the followers of Breslov Hasidism, Uman has a special significance. Unfortunately, the peace of the cemetery is currently disturbed by illegal construction. This has caused deep concern for the Jewish community and has been the subject of numerous appeals to the Ukrainian authorities," the department's press service said in a statement.
Yelensky assured the delegation that the Ukrainian authorities respect the religious feelings of the Jewish people and will take all necessary measures to preserve religious shrines.
In addition, the parties discussed issues related to the organization of the annual pilgrimage of Bratslav Hasidim to Uman.
The delegation included: Rabbi David Niederman, Executive Director of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn; Rabbi Cheskel Kaufman, Rabbi of Breslov Synagogue in Monroe and Dean of Kol Aryeh Yeshiva; Yisocher Kaufman, businessman and community leader of Williamsburg, Boro Park businessman and civic leader Abraham Kaufman, board member of the Uman Historical and Cultural Center Chaim Zanvil Kaufman, and board member of the Uman Historical and Cultural Center Aba Goldberger.