Unfazed Devotion: Ultra-Orthodox Jews Celebrate New Year in Uman Amid Conflict

Despite the threat of Iranian missiles on Israel and the risk of Russian attacks on Ukraine, tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrated Rosh Hashanah in Uman. Pilgrims gathered to honour Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, maintaining a euphoric atmosphere and expressing strong faith in divine protection.

Huge crowds of Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrated the Jewish New Year in the Ukrainian city of Uman on Wednesday, showing unwavering devotion despite the threat of Iranian missiles on Israel and the risk of Russian attacks on Ukraine during their visit.

Tens of thousands of followers of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who lived in the late 18th and early 19th century, gather in Uman every year to honour the rabbi, who chose the Ukrainian city as his resting place and was buried there in 1810. This year's Rosh Hashanah coincided with a sweeping ballistic missile attack on Israel by Iran, a potentially dangerous new phase in the conflict triggered by the Hamas-led assault on Israel last October.

However, the news from home did not dampen the euphoric mood in Uman, about 200 km (125 miles) south of Kyiv. The streets were filled with chants and rhythmic clapping. 'Everyone is good because we have God. That's it, there's nothing to worry about,' said one visitor, who only gave his first name, Israel.

More than 30,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews arrived in Uman for Rosh Hashanah, according to the United Jewish Community of Ukraine. Another 14,000 were unable to reach the city, some because Iran's attack thwarted their travel plans. Despite the threat from Russia, which has been hitting Ukraine with missiles, drones, and bombs since its full-scale invasion in 2022, many pilgrims expressed no concerns.

'Ukraine is safer than Israel. If you want a safe place, you come to Ukraine,' said Akiva, who did not wish to give his surname, adding that the distance from Uman to the Russian border was greater than the entire length of Israel.

'I called relatives back home when I heard about the Iranian missiles. They were in the bomb shelter with no reception, but after they got out, they were fine,' he said. Several fervently religious visitors expressed their belief in divine protection.

'I feel bad about the Iranian attack, but God has chosen us and saved us,' added Avihai, who also did not give his surname.

(With inputs from agencies.)