17,000 Hasidim have already arrived in Ukraine
About 17,000 Hasidic pilgrims have already arrived in Ukraine ahead of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The influx of foreign visitors is growing despite the security situation and the threat of Russian shelling.
The main flow of pilgrims is currently passing through border crossings on the border with Moldova.
In particular, foreigners are crossing the border through the “Starokozache” checkpoint, which was also targeted by a Russian attack on September 9.
The peak in arrivals of organized groups occurred over the past few days. According to border guards, the number of foreigners entering Ukraine daily has risen from several hundred to nearly 8,000 people per day.
In total, as of now, about 17,000 Hasidim have already arrived in Ukraine.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and one of the major holidays in Judaism.
In 2026, the holiday will begin on the evening of September 11 and last until the evening of September 13.
Every year on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, thousands of Hasidim from around the world travel to Uman in the Cherkasy region, where the tomb of Rabbi Nachman is located.
The pilgrimage to Nachman’s grave in Uman has been taking place for over two centuries.
On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, police officers from Israel have already arrived in Uman to work alongside Ukrainian law enforcement officers.
Foreign and Ukrainian police officers will jointly patrol the pilgrimage area. Rescue workers from the State Emergency Service and servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine are also involved in maintaining order.
They will secure the city and areas where large numbers of pilgrims gather until the end of the Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
Despite Russian attacks and the threat of shelling, the number of pilgrims arriving in Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah continues to grow rapidly.
This was reported by Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, during an appearance on the “Ranok.LIVE” program.
Ukraine is stepping up security measures ahead of the mass arrival of Hasidic pilgrims in Uman, Cherkasy Oblast, for the Rosh Hashanah celebrations. Pilgrims are expected to begin arriving in the city in large numbers starting September 6.
The U.S. Department of State has advised American citizens to refrain from visiting Uman, Cherkasy Oblast, during the annual Hasidic pilgrimage for Rosh Hashanah, which this year falls on September 11–13.
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