13 Uman pilgrims returning on flights to Israel had COVID-19
Another 46 people who were infected in foreign countries returned to Israel last week.
By JEREMY SHARONJEWISH PILGRIMS pray at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov on the eve of Rosh Hashanah in Uman, Ukraine, September 20, 2017.(photo credit: VALENTYN OGIRENKO/REUTERS)
Thirteen pilgrims to the Ukrainian city of Uman who returned to Israel last week on flights from Ukraine or Belarus have been diagnosed with COVID-19, having contracted the disease during their travels abroad, according to the Health Ministry.In addition, another 46 travelers returning to Israel were also diagnosed with the coronavirus, having been infected in the countries they visited.Anyone returning from Belarus and Ukraine was required to go into quarantine, some at home and some in the government coronavirus hotels.According to the ministry, however, some of those who were required to be in isolation broke their quarantine. Their names have now been given to the police.At least 4,500 Breslov Hassidim and others flew out from Israel in the hopes of celebrating the Rosh Hashanah holiday in Uman, the burial place of the founder of the Breslov Hassidic sect, Rabbi Nahman of Breslov.At least 2,000 pilgrims made it into Uman before Ukraine closed its borders to foreign travelers at the end of August, while another 2,500 sought to enter in September through neighboring Belarus.The Ukrainian authorities ultimately denied them permission to enter, and they spent Rosh Hashanah in several Belarusian cities.Images emerged after Rosh Hashanah of several hundred pilgrims dancing and celebrating indoors in a marquee tent, without social distancing or wearing masks.
