Israel, Ukraine urge pilgrims not to visit Uman for Rosh Hashanah due to pandemic

Israel and Ukraine call on Israelis not to travel to Uman next month for the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to the grave site of Hasidic Rebbe Nahman of Bratslav due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“The epidemiological situation in Ukraine and Israel, like in the rest of the world, unfortunately doesn’t allow us to mark the holiday as usual this year,” the countries say in a joint statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The statement adds: “We implore pilgrims planning to take part in the Rosh Hashanah festivities this year to avoid visiting Uman because of the threatening epidemiological situation.”

Jerusalem and Kiev stress to any Israelis who do visit that social distancing guidelines will be enforced at any public gatherings.

“We hope for understanding and believe that next year we’ll be able to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, like other holidays, together and without any restrictions whatsoever,” the statement says.