Annual Rosh Hashanah Pilgrimage to Uman Raises Concerns Amid Ongoing Conflict

Annual Rosh Hashanah Pilgrimage to Uman Raises Concerns Amid Ongoing Conflict

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Each year, tens of thousands of Jewish men and boys embark on a spiritual journey to Uman, Ukraine, for an annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage in honor of the revered Hasidic Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, as was reported by the JTA.  However, this year’s pilgrimage is taking place amidst heightened concerns due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Despite warnings from the U.S., Israeli, and Ukrainian governments about the dangers of the voyage, thousands of Jewish pilgrims have already made their way to Uman from Israel and other cities around the world.  Haaretz reported that by Wednesday morning, 11,000 Jewish pilgrims had arrived in the small Ukrainian town, marking the annual tradition that has been observed for generations.

The pilgrimage, which centers around prayer and celebration at Rabbi Nachman’s grave, has long been a significant event for the Orthodox Jewish community and in particular, Breslov Hassidim. Rabbi Nachman passed away in 1810. According to the JTA report, typically, the influx of visitors overwhelms Uman’s quiet infrastructure, filling its streets and vacant apartment buildings.

Even during the pandemic, when travel restrictions were in place, pilgrims found ways to participate in the pilgrimage in 2020 and 2021, the JTA report noted. Last September, they gathered in Uman for the first Rosh Hashanah since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, disregarding Ukrainian officials’ urging to stay away.

This year, Israel, home to many of the pilgrims, worked with Ukraine to enhance security at border crossings near Uman. Additionally, the JTA report said that many municipal roads in and around the city have been closed for safety reasons, thusly affecting year-round residents. The Israeli government allocated a $1 million package to assist those making the journey, and United Hatzalah, an Israeli emergency response service, has increased its presence in the city, the report added.

However, despite these precautions and collaborative efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning about the risks involved in traveling to Uman this year, as was indicated in the JTA report.  He emphasized that there is no guarantee of protection from bomb attacks in the area, given its vulnerability to conflict-related incidents.

Netanyahu’s cautionary statement drew mixed reactions, with some haredi Orthodox commentators and lawmakers expressing displeasure, the JTA report said. They argued that the history of the Jewish people is marked by divine protection and that faith in God’s safeguard has always prevailed.

“God has not always protected us, not on European soil and not on Ukrainian soil,” Netanyahu said, adding that “there are no shelters and there is no protection” from bomb attacks in Uman, as was reported on by the JTA.

This warning came even as the Israeli government approved financial assistance for pilgrims making the annual journey to Uman to pray at the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

During a recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader expressed concerns about the city’s limited capacity to provide shelter in the event of a Russian attack, the JTA report said.  Netanyahu emphasized that these concerns extend not only to tourists but also to the local population.

Netanyahu’s warning carried a somber note, reminding the public that history has shown that protection has not always been guaranteed for the Jewish people, even on European soil and Ukrainian territory. This acknowledgment of historical vulnerability underscores the prime minister’s concern for the safety of those considering the pilgrimage to Uman this year.

The decision to provide financial aid raises questions about the delicate balance between personal freedom and government responsibility, particularly in the context of faith-based journeys., as was reported by the JTA. It highlights the challenges faced by governments in addressing the needs and desires of citizens while also ensuring their safety in potentially risky situations.

The annual pilgrimage to Uman serves as a testament to the enduring strength of religious tradition and the deep connections people have to their faith. The JTA report also mentioned that this also underscores the complexities involved in balancing religious observance with the realities of an unpredictable world, where geopolitical tensions and health concerns can pose significant challenges.

As the holiday approaches, pilgrims and their families will grapple with the decision of whether to embark on the journey to Uman, weighing their faith against the potential dangers that may await them, as was reported by the JTA.  Netanyahu’s warning serves as a reminder of the uncertainties in today’s world and the need for individuals to consider the risks and responsibilities associated with their choices, even in matters of deep spiritual significance.

Yisrael Eichler, a member of the United Torah Judaism party, noted that for over a century, the God of Israel has shielded the Land of Israel from various challenges. This perspective reflects the deep spiritual connection many pilgrims feel to the tradition, viewing their journey to Uman as an act of faith.

The concerns about safety in Uman are not unfounded, as the town has experienced incidents of violence and conflict. The U.S. embassy in Israel has also warned Americans against traveling to Uman, citing reports of Russian forces and their proxies targeting U.S. citizens in Ukraine and during evacuations through Russia-occupied territory.

The annual pilgrimage to Uman highlights the complex interplay between religious devotion, tradition, and geopolitical realities. As Jewish pilgrims continue to gather in this symbolic location, the need for balancing faith and safety remains a central challenge, especially against the backdrop of ongoing regional conflicts.