Moldovan PM tells Netanyahu: Israel must cover costs of getting pilgrims to Ukraine

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean told his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will need to cover the cost of logistics and security to assist Israelis who wish to travel to Moldova to reach Uman, Ukraine, where Hasidic leader Rabbi Nachman of Breslov is buried, according to a statement shared with The Times of Israel by Moldovan Ambassador to Israel Alex Roitman.

The two discussed arrangements for the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage, “including security and logistical aspects, which are to be covered by the Israeli side,” in a phone call earlier today, the statement reads.

Pilgrims will need to travel through Moldova because there are no direct flights to Ukraine, which has discouraged visits since Russia invaded the country in 2022.

The government has allocated NIS 10 million ($3 million) to support the traditional Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage, according to reports.

Funds for Israelis to visit the war-wracked country will come from the Foreign, Transportation, Interior, and Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage ministries, according to Hebrew outlet Ynet.

There is no immediate comment from Ukraine, which warned pilgrims not to come in prior years, along with Israeli officials.

The Ynet report claims that Shas leader Aryeh Deri is seeking an agreement with the Defense Ministry and the army to allow Haredi men who are under travel bans due to their refusal to report for mandatory military enlistment to make the trip anyway, claiming that the journey is a religious necessity and should not be treated the same as travel for leisure.

Deri is said to have discussed the arrangement with Netanyahu on Thursday, touting plans for 50,000 to travel to Ukraine, despite the ongoing war.