Uman Mayor Nixes Rosh Hashana Pilgrimage: ‘Could Cause Coronavirus Outbreak’

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Ultra orthodox Jewish men pray in a synagogue in the town of Uman before the start of the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana . September 16, 2012. Photo by Yaakov Naumi/Flash90.

UMAN, UKRAINE (VINnews) —The mayor of Uman, the Ukrainian town where Breslov Chasidim congregate every year at the tomb of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, has spoken out against this year’s pilgrimage set to be held in September amid the uncertainty over the rampant coronavirus.

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Mayor Oleksandr Tserbiy said in a Facebook video that “every year about 30,000 pilgrims come to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. But this year, the coronavirus pandemic made adjustments to our life… It’s a very difficult situation in the world and in Ukraine. In Uman, the situation is under control… But the arrival of a large number of foreigners from different countries could cause a coronavirus outbreak in our town.”

Tserbiy  went on to express doubt that all pilgrims who would like to visit the town this year would have appropriate medical certificates with negative COVID-19 test results or whether they would be willing to undergo 14-day quarantine on arrival as required by the Ukrainian government.

“The government foresees the second wave of coronavirus in September. In the current situation, I stand against the arrival of pilgrims this year,” the mayor emphasized. However, realizing that the decision would deeply affect the economic situation of the town which relies heavily on the annual tourism, the mayor invited Uman residents to express their opinions on the matter under the post.

A local resident told Ynet that he supports the decision to prevent pilgrims from arriving: “Due to the efforts by doctors and authorities, we had so far only one victim in Uman, Rabbi Bolashevski” he said. “We had 6 more COVID-19 patients who recovered. Most residents support the decision of the mayor. I don’t want us to make such a deal and be exposed to danger or expose the Hasidim to danger. I prefer to miss out on our livelihood for one year, since health is more important.”

Earlier in April, Israel’s Ambassador to the Ukraine Joel Lion called on the Hasidim not to go on a pilgrimage to Uman amid the coronavirus pandemic. Rosh Hashanah in 2020 will begin on September 18 and will end September 20.

 


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28 Comments
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Educated Archy
Educated Archy
3 years ago

Good luck. They went under communism too

The world is crazy and getting crazier
The world is crazy and getting crazier
3 years ago

They’re one hundred percent correct
The only way to stop this is by isolating the virus and not spreading it. But then archy the fool thinks this is all a joke
Well the joke is that hundred of frum yidden died in ametica because of your stupidity

NewBabbi
NewBabbi
3 years ago

I knew something positive would come out of the pandemic!

Sholi Katz
Sholi Katz
3 years ago

Beautiful – BEST NEWS YET. This is the one good thing the corona virus caused.
Why go and give money to these Ukrainian lowlife peasants that their parent all killed, maimed your grandfathers and raped all your grandmothers. It is a tragedy we fed and supported them all these years. Reb Nachmn that loved yidden with all his heart, would never have wanted you to come and support them. It is understandable you want fun and a getaway from the family, we all do need a break and this is the only time you have a good excuse to do so. However, go up to Meron or find some other place in Israel where you can move this “free spirit gathering”. I am sure we can find something written on how you will be helped at that place (if not get some holy-man to make it up). Or, yet better maybe for once stay with your wife and family for Yom Tov.

Xanax
Xanax
3 years ago

Yes.. a whole 5 and a 1/2 people went under communism.. nobody minds that..

Hunter Biden
Hunter Biden
3 years ago

What about if everyone wears a mask? Why should there be a problem?

Flatbush yid
Flatbush yid
3 years ago

It won’t stop the real Breslev from going to uman. One good thing they will infect the Ukrainians in mass.

Sam
Sam
3 years ago

Better so, thousands went to miron under the surveillance of the Zionist regime,

YMY
YMY
3 years ago

Sholi

+1

Very well put.

Gloria Bunker
Gloria Bunker
3 years ago

This will be a huge blow to the economy of Uman. Those Ukrainians won’t be able to rent there houses for exorbitant amounts.

Herb
Herb
3 years ago

Which airlines are going to fly in those who want to go?
Will the Ukrainian border police allow them in?
Who will organize the kosher food?
Who will provide the medical services?
How will they pay to spend 14 days in supervised quarantine?
It is just a crazy idea that has nothing to do with who it is or when it is.
If 30,000 people wanted to come to a three-day music fest would the Ukrainians agree to let them fly in from all over the world?

Yehuda Shain
Yehuda Shain
3 years ago

Louie schiner say the wives a break from the …..
They could use a break a few times a year.

lazy-boy
lazy-boy
3 years ago

The women of Breslev are complaining the loudest! They get one week out of the year of peace and quiet in their house, and now, it appears it will be taken away from them…..

Proud jew
Proud jew
3 years ago

These guys still hate us.
This move is pure antisemitism..
Why not let frum Jews do their thing.

Tony
Tony
3 years ago

Jfyi R Nachman great grandson of The Holy Baal Shem Hakadosh was very emphatic about His Chasidim to spend Rosh Hashana with Him and He promised great spiritual gifts I se the comments are not exactly spiritual seekers and have no understanding or desire to understand the significance of being in Uman for Rosh Hashana sarcasm comes from ignorance let each man do as he sees good

Boroch
Boroch
3 years ago

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel, should authorize the reburying of Rabbi Nachman’s remains, in Israel. Hence, the Breslov Chassidim would no longer have to go to Ukraine, a country which participated in the slaughter of millions of Jews.

na nach
na nach
3 years ago

He has a point, but I can’t agree with him. He’s just saying that because he hates Jews?
How will they afford to buy bread next year?