Every year, Hasidic Jewish pilgrims from all over the world flock to Uman to visit the tomb of one of the leading figures in Hasidic Judaism and to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
The central Ukrainian city of Uman is relatively far from the front lines, but Ukrainian and Israeli authorities have urged worshipers to avoid the celebrations, which will take place between September 25 and 27 this year.
But despite the warnings, thousands of ultra-Orthodox pilgrims dressed in traditional black clothes have already begun to gather in Uman and celebrate in the streets.
“This is the most important day of the year to connect with God. And this is a great place to do that.” one pilgrim, Aaron Allen, told AFP.
Pilgrims often cite a religious text by Rabbi Nachman, founder of an ultra-Orthodox movement who died in the city in 1810, promising that he would “save (the believers) from hell” if they came to visit his grave during Rosh Hashanah. .
“We hear sirens, but from Israel we are used to sirens, we know what to do. We feel quite safe”said Allen, a 48-year-old doctor from Yad Binyamin.
Police set up a wide perimeter to gain access to the area around the grave, verify identity and allow only residents and Hasidic Jews to pass through.
It is forbidden to sell alcohol, fireworks, but also toy weapons during festivities in Uman, regional police spokeswoman Zoya Vovk told AFP. There is also a mandatory curfew between 11pm and 5am local time.
Despite the restrictions, the shrine that houses the tomb was already buzzing with celebrations in the early hours of this Sunday. Pilgrims – just men and boys – bathe, pressed against the white walls and columns of the site.
Police will not release the exact number of pilgrims until the end of the festivities for fear of attacks from Russia.. “We understand that there is a large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine and that the enemy is monitoring the information,” Zoya Vovk told AFP. “All I can say is that tens of thousands (pilgrims) have already arrived,” he added, however.
The United Jewish Community of Ukraine NGO said more than 23,000 pilgrims had already arrived in Uman. The city, in central Ukraine, has been hit by Russian attacks several times since the invasion on February 24.
Source: DN
