US urges citizens not to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage
The United States has urged its citizens not to travel to Uman in central Ukraine for the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage, warning of the continued risk of Russian attacks and insufficient shelter capacity in the city.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued the security alert ahead of Rosh Hashanah, which this year runs from the evening of Sept. 11 through Sept. 13.
“Local authorities report that there are insufficient shelters in Uman to accommodate all anticipated pilgrims,” the embassy said, noting that Russia has repeatedly struck civilian sites and critical infrastructure across Ukraine, including in Uman.
The embassy also warned that martial law, curfews and restrictions on movement remain in effect across Ukraine.
U.S.-Ukrainian dual-national men may also face difficulties leaving Ukraine and could be subject to mobilization, according to the advisory.
Americans who nevertheless decide to travel to Uman were advised to identify nearby shelters in advance, immediately seek safety during air raid alerts and follow instructions from local authorities.
Uman is a major pilgrimage destination for Breslov Hasidic Jews because it is home to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, the movement’s founder. Thousands of pilgrims traditionally travel to the city to celebrate the Jewish New Year near his burial site.