Chief Rabbi: Hasidim are hated for trash, yet they pay us millions

The streets of Uman after the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. Photo: Novyny.LIVE

The Chief Rabbi of Ukraine called on the public to stop the hate directed at Hasidic pilgrims in Uman, emphasizing that despite isolated cases of inappropriate behavior by visitors, tens of thousands of pilgrims bring enormous financial benefit to the Ukrainian economy.

"Over the past few days I have seen a lot of hate directed at the pilgrims who came to Uman for Rosh Hashanah," the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine addressed the public. "A lot of anger, resentment and outright hatred."

The religious leader acknowledged violations on the part of some visitors, noting that people arriving in the city are obliged to respect local laws and residents. "There is trash, there is disrespect for the city, there is behavior that cannot be justified," he emphasized, adding that criticism of specific negative actions is correct and warranted.

At the same time, the Chief Rabbi called for not drawing erroneous conclusions about all 50,000 guests who arrived in Uman this year. He drew attention to the fact that according to official calculations by the city authorities, the tourist tax paid by them alone amounted to a record 25 million hryvnias. In addition to direct budget contributions, the foreign flow of funds goes toward apartment and hotel rentals, transportation, taxi fares, food purchases and services, providing income for thousands of local residents.

"This is an enormous flow of money that remains in the Ukrainian economy and in people's pockets over a very short period of time... That is precisely why I am surprised when the pilgrimage to Uman is described exclusively as a major problem and a burden for Ukraine."

Moshe Asman separately noted that pilgrims are forced to pay significantly inflated prices. For example, an ordinary pizza is sold to them for 25 dollars instead of the usual 5–10, and the cost of accommodation during the celebration days skyrockets dozens of times over. As a result, many believers save money all year and spend thousands and tens of thousands of dollars on the trip.

"One cannot hate tens of thousands of people from the USA, Europe and other countries who, despite the war, closed skies, difficult roads and danger, bring their money here," the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine concluded, recalling the statement by Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky that the state of public finances is approaching a critical point and the country needs significant funds for budgetary and social expenditures.

As the UOJ reported, Hasidic pilgrims left mountains of trash in Uman after Rosh Hashanah.

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