Israel and Ukraine will deploy police, medics, and volunteers in a joint safety operation to guard tens of hundreds of Rosh Hashanah pilgrims heading to Uman.
Israel and Ukraine introduced on Thursday a joint safety operation to guard tens of hundreds of pilgrims touring toUman for Rosh Hashanah.
Israel’s Minister of Nationwide Safety, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir hosted Ukrainian Ambassador Yevgen Korniychuk, Israeli safety officers, and representatives of the Haredi Orthodox neighborhood on Wednesday to hammer out a complete plan involving the deployment of dozens of cops, paramedics, and volunteers from each international locations.
The initiative additionally features a devoted medical and safety community, coordinated with Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman, whose groups will function at border crossings and on the bottom to make sure the pilgrims’ security.
“The State of Israel locations supreme significance on the protection of vacationers,” Ben-Gvir mentioned. “I welcome the cooperation with theUkrainian authorities, which permits for a protected and well-organized pilgrimage to Uman. That is an unprecedented operation, with dozens of cops and volunteers making certain a vacation of prayer and pleasure.”
Ambassador Korniychuk emphasised Ukraine’s dedication regardless of the continuing Russian conflict. “Ukraine, regardless of the burden of the Russian conflict and the extreme safety state of affairs on the bottom, is dedicated to holding a protected and respectful occasion in shut cooperation with Israel,” he mentioned.
Jewish males on the street throughout Tikkun HaKlali close to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, on eve of the Jewish vacation of Rosh Hashanah, September 15, 2023. (credit score: CHAIM GOLDBEG/FLASH90)
Rabbi Azman welcomed the coordination, noting, “I welcome this cooperation to make sure that each worshipper can arrive with peace of thoughts and full security.”
Rabbi Shimson Blumental, representing the Israeli Chief Rabbi’s workplace, added, “We might be current on the bottom for each want — to supply quick help and care, making certain no worshipper feels alone.”
Unprecedented coordination
Amichai Gabai, who mediated between the events, described the initiative as historic. “An occasion of this scale requires unprecedented coordination. The cooperation between Israel’s and Ukraine’s safety our bodies will undoubtedly yield wonderful outcomes on the bottom,” he mentioned.
Uman, a metropolis in central Ukraine, is the burial website of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810), the founding father of the Breslov Hasidic motion. Rabbi Nachman inspired his followers to go to his grave for religious inspiration and prayer, particularly throughout Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New 12 months. He taught that praying at his gravesite may carry divine blessings, and this follow has grown steadily over the centuries.
Israeli pilgrims make up the biggest group attending Uman for Rosh HaShanah. Numbers have grown dramatically for the reason that Nineties, with tens of hundreds touring yearly. Many journey by way of organized teams that deal with visas, lodging, and logistics, usually coordinating with Ukrainian authorities and native volunteers for security and assist.
Ukraine designated the grave as a nationwide heritage website in July. However pilgrimages have turn out to be extra sophisticated since Russia invaded Ukraine and lately stepped up missile and drone strikes.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New 12 months, begins at sunset on Sept. 22.
