US State Dept warns Americans against pilgrimage to Uman for Rosh Hashanah

Hasidic pilgrims in Uman. Photo: GettyImages

The US State Department recommends that US citizens refrain from traveling to Uman during Rosh Hashanah. The corresponding warning was published by the US Embassy in Ukraine.

The State Department maintains its highest, Level 4 travel advisory for the entire country. The traditional pilgrimage of Jews to the grave of Hasidic rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman during Rosh Hashanah poses serious risks to visitors’ lives. The State Department points to regular airstrikes on residential buildings and religious sites, as well as an insufficient number of bomb shelters in Uman to accommodate all the expected pilgrims.

The State Department also specifically warns men who hold dual US and Ukrainian citizenship. Ukraine has a ban on leaving the country for men aged 23 to 60. As a result, US citizens may face forced mobilization into the Ukrainian army without being able to leave the region, the State Department warns.

As the UOJ reported, a DESS expert briefed the US State Department on religious freedom in Ukraine.

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