Ukraine Warns Israelis: “We Cannot Guarantee the Safety of Visitors to Uman”

As the war in Ukraine continues without end, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry issued an unequivocal statement this week aimed primarily at Israelis: “We cannot guarantee the safety of visitors to Uman.”

The statement calls on those planning to fly there to completely reconsider their trip. Officials in Kyiv make clear that in light of the ongoing fighting, frequent missile attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and hostilities across the country, the risk to human life is higher than ever.

“Under the current combat conditions, the state has no ability whatsoever to provide full security coverage for foreign citizens entering its territory,” Ukrainian government officials said, stressing that anyone who chooses to come despite the warnings assumes sole personal responsibility.

Alongside the direct security threat, authorities are drawing attention to the severe restrictions imposed under the country’s martial-law regime. Visitors will have to contend with a strict nighttime curfew, severe limits on freedom of movement, a blanket ban on large gatherings, and an increased police presence.

In addition, Kyiv is warning of major logistical breakdowns: prolonged congestion at land border crossings, transportation delays caused by damage to infrastructure, a severe shortage of protected spaces that can accommodate the public during air-raid alerts, and heavy strain on Uman’s medical system. “Anyone who chooses to come nevertheless will be required to follow all emergency rules and arrange payment of the local tourist tax in advance.”

These warnings are issued every year ahead of *Rosh Hashanah*, when tens of thousands of worshippers travel to Uman to visit the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Pilgrimages to the site continued even during the most difficult years of the war, but Ukrainian authorities now hope that the explicit warning will lead to a decline in the number of travelers.