Minister Rabbi Porush to Lead Coordination Effort for Chassidic Pilgrimage to Uman for Rosh Hashanah

Rabbi Meir Porush, the Minister of Yerushalayim Affairs, has been nominated to spearhead a team from his office to coordinate with relevant authorities for the upcoming Chassidic pilgrimage to the burial site of the Rebbe Reb Nachman of Breslov, zy”a, in Uman, Ukraine for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah. Additionally, efforts are underway to improve the border crossing procedures in neighboring countries with Ukraine, through which the Chassidim enter the country.

Drawing from lessons learned in past events during the annual pilgrimage to Uman, the National Security Headquarters decided to appoint a minister responsible for various aspects to ensure the smooth arrival of the masses in Ukraine.

Following the success of Lag BaOmer in Meron in 2023, which was led by Rabbi Porush, the National Security Headquarters approached him and requested his involvement in this year’s preparations for Uman.

Minister Rabbi Porush and his team have held a series of meetings and discussions with senior officials from the National Security Headquarters, the Foreign Ministry, the Airport Authority, the National Security Ministry, the Israeli Police, and others.

Despite the warnings about travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing war, many Chassidim are still determined to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, and preparations are underway accordingly, including providing services for those arriving in the country via land crossings in the absence of flights.

In the initial discussions held by Minister Rabbi Porush with the relevant parties, it was agreed that the Foreign Ministry’s headquarters would instruct Israeli ambassadors in Poland, Moldova, Hungary, and Romania to engage with local authorities and request reinforcement of the border crossings to Ukraine in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah.

With Rabbi Porush’s intention to appoint a dedicated coordinator who will personally engage with the leaders of the Breslov communities accustomed to staying in Uman for Rosh Hashanah, it is hoped that effective coordination with the relevant authorities will address various aspects on a national, security, safety, and medical level.

Minister Rabbi Porush stated: “I commend the authorities for understanding that many Breslov Chassidim are committed to upholding the tradition and traveling to the kever of Harav Nachman of Breslov in Uman during Rosh Hashanah, and it is crucial to prepare wisely for this occasion.

“With the blessings of the Breslov Rabbanim, I will coordinate with the Foreign Ministry and other relevant bodies to ensure that those who choose to travel to Uman receive the services they deserve. The situation on the ground is complex, and it is essential for the public to follow the guidance in prayer to prevent any harm to human lives.”

“I express my gratitude to Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen, Head of the National Security Headquarters Tzachi Hanegbi, and the Director General of the Foreign Ministry Ronen Levi, who responded to my request regarding strengthening the land border crossings between Ukraine and neighboring countries. I plan to continue working with them and other relevant parties faithfully to assist the Breslov Chassidim,” said Minister Rabbi Porush.