Ukraine will not allow the annual pilgrimage of tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews to Uman to go ahead next month due to security concerns caused by the ongoing war with Russia, according to reports in Hebrew media late Saturday.

The decision to prevent pilgrims from visiting the grave of Hasidic leader Rabbi Nachman of Breslov over the Rosh Hashanah holiday is due in part to a ban on mass gatherings that has been in place across Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the Maariv news outlet reported.

Russia has stepped up its drone and missile attacks on cities in Ukraine over the past month, including major attacks on western and central Ukraine, where Uman is located.

In previous years, Ukraine has strongly advised pilgrims against visiting the area due to safety concerns, but tens of thousands have nevertheless made the journey, entering Ukraine via its border with Moldova.

An unnamed Ukrainian official told the i24 news outlet that Kyiv is frustrated by Israel’s lack of support in the face of Russia’s threats, and has demanded that, in the event that the pilgrimage is allowed........

© The Times of Israel