Israel, Ukraine team up to safeguard tens of thousands of worshippers in Uman
Israel and Ukraine will deploy the police, doctors and volunteers in a joint security operation to protect tens of thousands of pilgrims Rosh Hashanah going to Uman.
Israel and Ukraine announced a joint security operation on Thursday to protect tens of thousands of pilgrims traveling Touman for Rosh Hashanah.
The Israeli Minister of National Security, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed Ukrainian ambassadors from the Ukrainian ambassador on Wednesday, and representatives of the Orthodox community of Haredi to hammer a full plan involving the deployment of dozens of police, ambulmatory and volunteers from the two countries.
The initiative also includes a dedicated medical and security network, coordinated with the chief rabbi of Ukraine, the Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman, whose teams will operate on the borders and on the ground to ensure the security of pilgrims.
“The State of Israel attaches supreme importance to the security of travelers,” said Ben-Gvir. “I salute cooperation with the Theukrainian government, which allows a safe and well organized pilgrimage to Uman. This is an unprecedented operation, with dozens of police officers and volunteers ensuring prayer and joy holidays. ”
Ambassador Korniychuk underlined the commitment of Ukraine despite the current Russian war. “Ukraine, despite the burden of the Russian war and the severe security session on the ground, undertakes to organize a safe and respectful event in close cooperation with Israel,” he said.
Jewish men on the street during Tikkun Haklali near the tomb of Rabbi Nachman from Breslov to Uman, on the eve of the Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah, September 15, 2023. (Credit: Chaim Goldbeg / Flash90)
The Rabbi Azman praised coordination, noting: “I salute this cooperation to make sure that each worshiper can arrive with peace of mind and complete security.”
The Rabbi Shimson Blutaire, representing the office of the head of the Israeli rabbi, added: “We will be present in the field for all needs – to provide immediate assistance and care, ensuring that no worshiper feels alone.”
Unprecedented coordination
Amichai Gabai, who was mediating between the parties, described the initiative as a history. “An event of this scale requires unprecedented coordination. Cooperation between the security organizations of Israel and Ukraine will undoubtedly give excellent results on the ground,” he said.
Uman, a city in the center of Ukraine, is the burial place of the Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810), the founder of the Hasidic Breslov movement. Rabbi Nachman encouraged his disciples to visit his grave for spiritual inspiration and prayer, especially during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. He taught that prayer in his grave could bring divine blessings, and this practice has developed regularly over the centuries.
Israeli pilgrims constitute the largest group attending Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Numbers have increased considerably since the 1990s, with tens of thousands of people traveling each year. Many move through organized groups that manage visas, accommodation and logistics, often coordinate with the Ukrainian authorities and local volunteers for security and support.
Ukraine has appointed the tomb as a national heritage site in July. But pilgrimages have become more complicated since Russia invaded Ukraine and recently intensified missiles and drone strikes.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sunset on September 22.
