Despite Ukraine’s war, 35,000 pilgrims gather in Uman for Rosh Hashana, a powerful display of faith.
The old sounds of prayer chants and ram’s horns can be heard in the Ukrainian town of Uman, standing out against the ongoing war in the country.
Even though Ukrainian and Israeli officials warned about the dangers, thousands of Jewish people have come together for Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, to visit Rabbi Nachman’s tomb.
This year, it’s even more special because it’s the same number of people as in the past, with around 35,000 people traveling there.
Choosing to go despite the danger shows a strong will to fight back against the constant missile and drone attacks from the Russian army.
The war is still going on, with a big front line and Russia taking over more land.
Thousands of Jewish pilgrims come to Ukraine for Rosh Hashana despite official warnings https://t.co/a4XHNzmQIP
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But, many pilgrims, like 18-year-old Nachman Shitrit, who’s been there over a dozen times, didn’t let that stop them: “The war here didn’t stop me from going to Ukraine; there’s war where I’m from.”
This year’s trip is even more complicated because of the growing conflict in the Middle East. The fight between Israel and Hamas, along with other fights in the area, made it hard for many pilgrims to get there.
Some had to travel long distances through several countries because Ukraine’s airspace was closed. Despite these challenges, some, like Meir Shpanier, who drove 22 hours from Budapest, showed just how much they wanted to be there for this important religious event.
The strong will of these pilgrims to keep going shows just how deep their faith runs.
