Ukraine denies entry to all 1,000 Breslov hassidim waiting at border
Breslov pilgrims had hoped for last minute permit to enter Ukraine to go to Uman for annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage.
By JEREMY SHARONJewish pilgrims, who plan to enter Ukraine from the territory of Belarus, gather in front of Ukrainian service members near Novi Yarylovychi crossing point in Chernihiv Region, Ukraine September 15, 2020(photo credit: BRESLEV LIVE/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)
The approximately 1,000 Breslov Hassidim and other Israelis currently waiting at a border post between Belarus and Ukraine will not be allowed into Ukraine as they had wished.The group had sought to travel to Uman, Ukraine, to the tomb of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, the founder of Breslov Hassidism, for their annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage.The Ukrainian authorities banned entry to the country from August 26 to September 28 in an effort to prevent the mass pilgrimage from taking place due to fears that it would spread COVID-19 among the pilgrims and local population. The pilgrimage attracts up to 50,000 visitors each yearThe Breslov Hassidim were hopeful that the Ukrainian government would allow a small number of people into Uman. Some 2,500 pilgrims traveled to Belarus in the hopes of entering Ukraine.On Tuesday, Breslov officials apparently were informed by Belarusian authorities that they would be able to enter Ukraine, and some 1,000 flocked to the border.The Ukrainian government denied it had allowed the travelers to enter, and the group has been camping not far from the Ukrainian border since Tuesday night.On Wednesday, the Ukrainian government said it would not allow any of the hassidim to cross the border. It called upon the Belarusian authorities to “stop creating additional tensions on the border… and spreading false and encouraging statements to pilgrims.”Breslov Hassidim near the border denounced the Israeli government for having encouraged Ukraine to ban the pilgrimage and over the conditions of their current predicament, in which they have no amenities and are sleeping outdoors.Breslov communal organizations in Uman have organized food, water and other supplies for the stranded pilgrims, a Foreign Ministry source told The Jerusalem Post.The hassidim were able to return to Belarus, where Jewish communities in Minsk, Pinsk and Gomel were preparing to host them for Rosh Hashanah, the source said. COVID-19 quarantine in Belarus is essentially voluntary, he said.
The Breslov organizations could arrange flights back to Israel if needed, the source said.The majority of the pilgrims would return to Belarus in time for Rosh Hashanah, but perhaps 200 would remain at the border as long as possible, he said.Some 2,000 Breslov Hassidim and others arrived in Ukraine before the borders were closed. They are being allowed to hold prayer services and meals according to local COVID-19 regulations.
