Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council is moving forward with decisions that may significantly impact the tens of thousands of people who visit the tziyon of Rebbe Nachman in Uman on Rosh Hashanah.
The Ukrainian government has recently initiated changes to the country’s entry policy, particularly for citizens of countries with which Ukraine has a mutual visa-exemption agreement, including Israel. Under the new policy, all non-Ukrainian citizens will be required to obtain electronic approval, akin to a visa, before entering the country. If this policy is implemented in the coming weeks, it could take effect before Rosh Hashanah, affecting not only Israelis but also Jews from other countries planning to visit Uman.
In response to this development, Union Breslev in Uman issued a statement: “We have worked very much for the request of the Ukrainian government, so that this would be delayed until after Rosh Hashanah. We are surprised by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. We will examine [this] and act in order to ensure that it will be possible to reach Uman without trouble or additional financial expenses. In the meantime, there is no change and Israelis do not require electronic visas.”
The Union Breslev in Uman further commented on the broader implications, noting, “We have worked a great deal with the relevant parties in Israel in order to ensure that the start of the electronic visas for Ukrainian citizens arriving in Israel will also be delayed until after Rosh Hashanah. Everything has been agreed-upon already—we are very surprised to hear that the Ukrainians have come with a decision which will affect those arriving in Uman.”
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7 Responses
BIG DEAL! They need to grow up!
Whilst it may be difficult for Breslover Chassidim, from Ukraine side, it is not that hard to understand.
They are desperately trying to show the West that they are not a backward third-world country, and that they are a good candidate to join both the EU, and NATO.
However, in order to gain this they have to fulfil a strict criteria, just like Poland had to.
That is why the leadership in Kyiv is trying to root out the corruption, e.g. the companies that refurbish the roads, making sure the gravel/tarmac is of good quality, not inferior due to mafia style controlling bosses, various government systems/services, e.g. this entry system etc etc.
Rather than spend the time and political capital objecting to the decision, these mosdos should just provide whatever technical assistance people need to go online and get the visas. It is a simple form to complete and unless people wait to the last minute, there are SIX WEEKS in which to get this done.
I’m a Breslover Chosid and an American military veteran. I find that most civilians don’t understand the need for decent security. Especially considering that the Ukrainian military has crossed over into Russian territory. Russia understands that Uman RH is a cash cow for Ukraine. People claim that Putin is an oheiv Yisroel. My assumption is that loving Jews might be politically expedient for him, thus I don’t think it is beyond him to cause a catastrophe there. RH is the only time of the year that I am not in close proximity to my family and it’s a slight buzz kill that we might not have that this year, but Ukraine has to do what seems best for them. However, I am not sure if joining NATO or the European Union is the best for them either.
Why should they go to Ukraine when they can shot at just as easily without leaving Eretz Yisrael?
It’s “Tziyun”, not “Tziyon”!
You are constantly confusing the two.
As is often the case Gadolhadorah says it exactly as it is. It takes about 10 minutes to get a US ESTA or the UK or Canadian equivalents. Most Breslovers can easily get access to the internet and can quickly and simply apply for their required visa. The Ukrainians are entitled to set their own border entry rules and regulations without the whole issue turning around “Uman”.