Ambassador: Israel fails to honor agreement, surprises await Hasidim in Uman
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 believe everything was somehow coordinated through leaders of Jewish religious communities, who then spoke with 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, “this year we may face surprises,” noting that during wartime public gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
“During war, we don’t need visitors,” 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 rescuers.
“Why do they think this is our problem and not theirs? 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.
