Envoy sounds alarm: Israel fails to act, Hasidim pilgrimage at risk of chaos
Korniychuk stated that Ukraine and Israel must ensure a significant presence of Israeli police for pilgrims, whose number this year may reach 40,000.
With less than two weeks left before Rosh Hashanah, Israel has still not contacted Ukraine to coordinate the necessary measures for the annual Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman. Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk said this in an interview with The Times of Israel.
“They think it has been agreed somehow by talking through the leaders of the Haredim, who then contact Ukrainian officials. Time is running out. We don’t know what’s happening,” he said.
Korniychuk added that Ukraine and Israel must organize a significant Israeli police presence for the pilgrims – expected to number up to 40,000 this year. The two countries should also agree on delegations of Israeli paramedics, rescuers, and temporary bomb shelters.
He warned that if agreements are not reached, “we might have surprises this year,” noting that during wartime public gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
“We don’t need visitors during the war,” he said, stressing that the tourist fees paid by Jewish pilgrims are used for cleaning the city after the holiday – a task which, in wartime, demands considerable Ukrainian resources, including thousands of emergency workers.
“Why do they think this is our problem and not their problem? I am very surprised,” the ambassador remarked.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the authorities of Uman, together with the U.S. Embassy, are urging Hasidim not to come to Ukraine.
