More than 35,000 Hasidic pilgrims have arrived in Uman, in the Cherkasy region of Ukraine, to celebrate the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah, according to Andriy Demchenko, the State Border Guard Service spokesperson. The event, which draws significant numbers each year, highlights the intersection of religious devotion and cultural traditions in the region.
Demchenko announced the attendance figures, noting that the influx of visitors has prompted increased security and logistical coordination to manage the large crowds. The Hasidic community, known for its strict adherence to Jewish law and traditions, places great importance on the Rosh Hashanah celebrations, which are observed with rituals, prayers, and communal gatherings in Uman’s historic Babi Yar Cemetery.
The annual pilgrimage to Uman is a deeply religious and cultural phenomenon for Hasidic Jews around the world, with many traveling from distant locations to participate in the observances. The Ukrainian government has consistently emphasized its commitment to protecting religious freedoms and supporting the diverse communities within its borders.