Hasidim are asked not to go to Ukraine

The Hasidim have been asked to refrain from traveling to Ukraine this year and to reschedule their plans to visit a shrine in the Cherkasy region for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah at a more auspicious time. The SBU addressed the pilgrims with such a request.

They noted that the Russians can use the trip, sacred to the Jews, as an excuse to aggravate international relations. In particular, the Russians can hit the pilgrims with missiles.

The SBU emphasized that they discussed the situation with Israeli law enforcement agencies and other responsible Ukrainian authorities in advance, and therefore the request to refrain from traveling does not come only from the Security Service of Ukraine.

Law enforcement agencies of Ukraine carefully check the available information regarding possible threats to the presence of Hasidim in Ukraine for a timely comprehensive response, the SBU noted.

At the same time, they reported that in the place of the future celebration of Rosh Hashanah, control over the illegal circulation of weapons and dangerous substances has been strengthened, the pilgrimage area and adjacent territories are under round-the-clock video surveillance.

But even despite all the security measures, Russia can use the arrival and mass gathering of pilgrims for provocations, the SBU warns.

They also admit that some of the pilgrims still decide to come. In this case, the Hasidim are asked to strictly follow the safety rules and comply with the requirements of wartime.

Traditionally, tens of thousands of Hasidim come to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Uman, in the Cherkasy region. In accordance with orthodox teaching, the founder of the Bratslav branch of Hasidism, Rabbi or Tzadik (righteous) Nachman, bequeathed to be buried in Uman. His followers believe that the celebration of the Jewish New Year at his grave promises happiness.

This year, the Jewish New Year is celebrated from 25 to 27 September.