Thousands Arrive in Wartime Ukraine for One of the World’s Largest Jewish Pilgrimages

Hasidic Jewish pilgrims have begun arriving in the central Ukrainian city of Uman for the annual Rosh Hashanah celebrations. About 2,000 pilgrims had arrived in the city as of Sept. 3, according to the United Jewish Community of Ukraine. JOIN US ON TELEGRAM Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sunset on Sept. 11 and ends at sunset on Sept. 13 this year. Many pilgrims traditionally arrive in Uman several days before the holiday. More than 40,000 pilgrims visited Uman for Rosh Hashanah in 2025, including more than 5,000 women and children, according to the Jewish community. Every year, tens of thousands of followers of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov travel to Uman to pray at his tomb. The influential Hasidic leader died in the city in 1810, and his burial site has since become one of the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations for Breslov Hasidim. The pilgrimage has continued during Russia’s full-scale invasion, requiring Ukrainian authorities to introduce additional security measures for the large gathering. A special entry, exit and movement regime will be in effect in Uman from Sept. 4 through Sept. 17, according to Ihor Taburets, head of the Cherkasy regional administration. “All measures are for security,” Taburets said, adding that similar restrictions are introduced each year. Police said officers would check people and vehicles entering the city. Additional movement restrictions and reinforced checkpoints would also be introduced in several areas. Kernel Secures €100 Million in Financing for 94.5 MW Wind Power Plant You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter