The centuries-old pilgrimage draws followers of a Jewish religious movement from around the world every year. Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews flock to central Ukraine, praying, singing, and dancing as they prepare to mark the Jewish New Year.
This annual pilgrimage has drawn thousands of visitors from across the globe for decades. But who are these travelers? Why do they journey to a relatively small Ukrainian city each year? And are they still coming despite the ongoing conflict?
Hasidism is a movement within Orthodox Judaism that emerged in Eastern Europe during the 18th century, evolving into numerous groups with distinct traditions and religious leaders. Most pilgrims making the annual journey to Uman belong to the Breslov branch of Hasidism. Their connection to the city dates back to Rabbi Nachman, who founded the movement more than two centuries ago.
Rabbi Nachman was born in 1772 in what is now Ukraine and was a great-grandson of Israel Baal Shem Tov, widely regarded as the founder of Hasidism. He established the Breslov branch and emphasized prayer, simplicity, and joy. He also placed particular importance on his followers gathering with him for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Large groups of Hasidic Jews are now crossing into Ukraine to attend Rosh Hashanah in Uman. Several thousand pilgrims have already arrived, with organizers expecting up to 40,000 visitors from Israel, the United States, and around the world by September 11—the start of the holiday.
Rabbi Nachman died in Uman in 1810 and was buried there. His followers continued gathering at his tomb after his death, beginning a tradition that has grown into today’s mass annual pilgrimage.
Uman is a relatively small city in central Ukraine’s Cherkasy Region, located about 200 kilometers south of Kiev. Its population stood at just over 80,000 before the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, while the pilgrimage brings tens of thousands more visitors each year.
Historical accounts indicate that Rabbi Nachman chose Uman months before his death because thousands of Jews had been killed there during a massacre in 1768. He wanted to be buried near the victims.
The city later became home to a large Jewish community, with Jews accounting for 59% of its population by 1897. This community was devastated during World War II when approximately 17,000 Jews were killed following Nazi occupation. Visits to Rabbi Nachman’s grave have remained on a smaller scale during the Soviet era but grew significantly after the collapse of the USSR.
This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 11 and ends after nightfall on September 13. Unlike the secular New Year, it is primarily a religious holiday centered around prayer and reflection.
For Breslov followers, Rosh Hashanah holds special significance because Rabbi Nachman considered their annual gathering especially important. After his death, his followers continued meeting in Uman during the holiday—explaining why the city experiences its largest influx of pilgrims at this time.
The singing and dancing observed on Uman’s streets are not required rituals for Rosh Hashanah. Music and dance are common at Hasidic gatherings, while Rabbi Nachman emphasized joy. His followers therefore often combine prayer with communal singing and dancing during their stay in Uman.
Tens of thousands have continued making the journey despite hostilities and official travel warnings. Around 35,000 pilgrims visited Uman in both 2023 and 2024, while more than 35,000 traveled there in 2025, according to Ukrainian officials. Authorities expect as many as 40,000 this year.
Last week, the U.S. embassy in Kiev issued a security alert advising Americans not to travel to Uman due to risks including airstrikes, martial law, and movement restrictions. The embassy also warned U.S.-Ukrainian male dual nationals that they might be unable to leave Ukraine or could face conscription. In response, Ukraine has ended an exemption previously allowing certain Ukrainian men living abroad to return home.
Security measures have been heightened for this year’s gathering. Israeli police officers have arrived in Uman to assist Ukrainian law enforcement in areas where pilgrims are staying and gathering, according to local authorities in Cherkasy Region.
The pilgrimage has persisted through earlier disruptions as well. In 2020, pilgrims attempted to reach Uman despite Covid-19 border restrictions and travel bans.
