Undeterred by Iran or Russia, Ultra-Orthodox Israelis Celebrate New Year in Ukraine

By Sergiy Karazy

UMAN, Ukraine – Large crowds of Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered in the Ukrainian city of Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year on Wednesday. Despite reports of Iranian missiles targeting Israel and ongoing threats from Russia in Ukraine, the pilgrims remained undeterred during their visit.

Every year, tens of thousands of followers of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, assemble in Uman to pay homage to the rabbi, who chose the city as his final resting place, buried there in 1810.

This year’s Rosh Hashanah coincided with a significant ballistic missile strike on Israel by Iran, marking a potentially escalatory moment in the conflict that began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October of the previous year.

However, the news from Israel did little to diminish the joyous atmosphere in Uman, located about 200 kilometers south of Kyiv, where the air was filled with chants and rhythmic clapping.

"Everyone is good because we have God. That’s it, there’s nothing to worry about," said one visitor, identified only by his first name, Israel.

According to the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, over 30,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews made the pilgrimage to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, while another 14,000 were unable to reach the city, some due to travel disruptions caused by the Iranian attacks.

When asked about concerns regarding the Russian threat, which has seen Ukraine targeted by missiles, drones, and bombs since the beginning of a full-scale invasion in 2022, the pilgrims expressed little fear.

"Ukraine is safer than Israel. If you want a safe place, you come to Ukraine," remarked Akiva, who declined to share his last name, humorously adding that the distance from Uman to the Russian border exceeds the entire length of Israel.

He noted he had tried to contact family in Israel when he heard about the Iranian missile strikes. "I called, but the reception was down in the bomb shelter. Once they emerged, I reached out again. They were fine, everything was perfect," he recalled.

Many of the dedicated attendees expressed their belief that divine protection was being bestowed upon Jewish people in both Israel and Ukraine.

"I feel bad about the Iranian attack, but I believe God has chosen us and saved us," shared another visitor, Avihai, who also preferred not to disclose his surname.