Is Rosh Hashanah 2025 in Uman in danger of being cancelled? Will Hasidic pilgrims be allowed into Ukraine?

On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, reports emerged of a possible ban on the annual Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman due to the war and security concerns. Find out whether pilgrims will be allowed to enter Ukraine and how they can prepare for their trip under martial law

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peace of mind while staying in Ukraine

BUY

Due to the ongoing war and intensified Russian attacks, some Israeli media outlets, including The Times of Israel, reported that Ukraine allegedly intends to ban the traditional Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman on Rosh Hashanah in 2025. According to the publication, the ban is due to security concerns and the current ban on mass gatherings, which was introduced in February 2022.

The article also states that Ukraine may deny entry to Hasidim, especially Israeli citizens, while demanding substantial support from Israel — both financial and in the form of a police presence at the pilgrimage site.

Will Hasidic pilgrims really not be allowed into Ukraine?

Representatives of Israel and Ukraine have already denied the reports of a ban. Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein, reported:

‘As of today, Ukraine's policy regarding the arrival of believers for the Rosh Hashanah holiday has not changed.’

According to Ravid, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said that as of today, Ukraine's policy on the arrival of believers remains unchanged.

According to DW, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also does not confirm the information reported by the Israeli media.

‘The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has not made any decisions regarding restrictions on Hasidic pilgrimages to Uman in the Cherkasy region,’ sources in the ministry told the publication.

The United Jewish Community of Ukraine also denied the ban, citing data from the Uman Historical and Cultural Centre charitable foundation, which organises the pilgrimage every year.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, celebrated at the beginning of the month of Tishrei (in September-October). On this holiday, it is traditional to blow the shofar, turn to God with prayer and repentance, as it is believed that the fate of the coming year is decided on these days.

Uman is a city in the Cherkasy region, a centre of pilgrimage for Hasidic Jews, especially to the grave of Rabbi Nachman. The event, known as the ‘kibbutz’ (gathering), attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world: in previous years, up to 40,000 people.

Rosh Hashanah 2025: how to prepare for a trip to Ukraine?

Before travelling to Ukraine, make sure you have considered all the important aspects for a safe and comfortable trip. Here is a practical checklist:

1. Take out medical insurance.

A medical insurance policy with war risk coverage on the Visit Ukraine portal ensures access to medical care and peace of mind during the celebration.

2. Book a place to stay

Choose proven hotels in Ukraine that guarantee a comfortable and safe stay.

3. Plan your travel itinerary

Organize transfers and book transport tickets in advance, or consider renting a car in Ukraine for convenience and flexibility of routes.

How to plan a trip to Ukraine in 2025? A detailed guide in this article.

Let us remind you! Even during a full-scale war, tourists continue to visit Ukraine, as it remains a popular destination for foreign tourists in Europe. Why should you choose Ukraine for your next trip - we explain here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – health insurance with coverage of war risks;

Visit Ukraine Mini Hull Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Osago – compulsory motor third party liability insurance for cars with Ukrainian registration;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.