Thousands of Hasidic Jews head to Uman for Rosh Hashanah despite security warnings

The city of Uman in Ukraine's Cherkasy region has once again become a meeting point for Hasidic Jews arriving from different countries around the world for Rosh Hashanah, despite war conditions and travel warnings. Visitors gathering around the tomb of Rabbi Nachman, the founder of Breslov Hasidism, are spending the Jewish New Year with prayers, hymns, music, and traditional rituals.

According to information reflected by authorities and media outlets, approximately 35,000 Jews visited Uman in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, this number exceeded 35,000. For this year's Rosh Hashanah gathering, approximately 40,000 people are expected to arrive in the city.

The US Embassy in Kyiv advised Americans not to travel to Uman in a security warning issued last week. The warning highlighted the risks of airstrikes, martial law, and movement restrictions. The embassy also warned that it might not be possible for male US-Ukraine dual citizens to leave the country and that they could be subject to conscription.

Ukrainian authorities have increased security measures this year. According to a statement by the Cherkasy regional police, Israeli police officers have arrived in Uman to serve alongside Ukrainian law enforcement in areas where pilgrims are staying and gathering.

WHY IS UMAN IMPORTANT?

Born in 1772 in a region that remains within today's Ukrainian borders, Rabbi Nachman was a descendant of the Baal Shem Tov, who is considered the founder of the Hasidic movement. It is known that Nachman, the founder of Breslov Hasidism, placed special importance on his followers coming together during the Rosh Hashanah period.

Nachman passed away in Uman in 1810 and was buried there. The tradition of his followers gathering around his tomb eventually turned into a major pilgrimage repeated every year. Visits, which continued on a more limited scale during the Soviet era, increased significantly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Uman's importance in terms of Jewish history also lies in the background of this tradition. According to historical sources, Nachman moved to the city shortly before his death; he wanted to be buried near thousands of Jews who were killed in the 1768 massacre. The city later hosted a large Jewish community; in 1897, Jews made up 59 percent of Uman's population.

During the Second World War, the Jewish presence in Uman suffered heavy destruction under Nazi occupation. According to sources, approximately 17,000 Jews were killed in the city. Today, the tomb of Rabbi Nachman continues to be one of the most important meeting places for the Rosh Hashanah period, especially for Breslov Hasidim.

Rosh Hashanah, which marks the beginning of the new year in the Jewish calendar, began at sunset on September 11 this year and ends after nightfall on September 13. The holiday is celebrated with prayer, reflection, and religious rituals.

News Source: 12punto