Every year, Hasidic Jewish pilgrims come to Uman in central Ukraine from across the world to visit the tomb of one of the main figures of Hasidic Judaism for the Jewish new year celebration of Rosh Hashanah.
Uman is relatively far from the frontline, but Ukrainian and Israeli authorities still urged worshippers to skip the celebrations taking place between September 25 and 27 this year.
“There were sirens, but coming from Israel we are used to sirens, we know what to do. We feel pretty safe,” said Allen, a 48-year-old doctor from Yad Binyamin.
Police set up a wide perimeter to access the area around the grave, checking IDs and only letting through residents and Hasidim.
“May all prayers for victory, all prayers for peace in Ukraine be heard”, he added.
Pilgrims — only men and boys — were praying, pressed against the white walls and columns of the burial place.
Metres away from the temple, shouting over a multi-voiced prayer, pilgrim Yaniv Vakhnin explained how Rabbi Nachman could provide solace at the most challenging of times.
“We are protected fully by the tzaddik (Nachman), and we feel very safe and very happy to be together,” he added.
He came to Ukraine as a confirmation of the steadfastness of his faith with two of his children, while five more remained at home.
Read the article in The Australian (AFP).