Pilgrimage

A flydubai emergency landing in Saudi Arabia highlights Israeli travel to the kingdom, while Muslim citizens of Israel have quietly made the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina for years via Jordan.

Nearly 40,000 pilgrims travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, continuing a growing Hasidic tradition despite modern security and logistical challenges.

Social media footage from Uman reveals severe chaos, garbage accumulation, curfew violations, and arrests during the annual pilgrimage to Rabbi Nachman's tomb, sparking local anger and concerns over future restrictions.

Over 60 draft evaders, many ultra-Orthodox travelers heading to Uman, were arrested at Israeli border crossings, creating severe community tension.

Despite the war in Ukraine and concerns about Russian attacks, desertion from the army, and a shortage of shelters, tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim still intend to arrive for Rosh Hashanah. The state will fund the security system for approximately 700,000 shekels.

Yariv Levin spoke with the Ukrainian Minister of Religious Affairs ahead of the expected arrival of tens of thousands of worshipers in Uman for Rosh Hashanah. The Ukrainian minister expressed commitment to securing the visitors despite the war in the country: "The Iranian danger is a global threat."

Tiberias is already looking towards 2030 and preparing for the possibility of a visit by the Pope and millions of pilgrims, but Mayor Yossi Nabaa knows that before the grand vision, he faces a city that is still struggling to regain its tourist status.

Tiberias Mayor Yossi Naveh revealed in an interview with "Maariv" that the city has begun preparations for the Pope's visit, expected in 2030, and for the anticipated arrival of hundreds of thousands to millions of pilgrims to the North.

Tens of thousands of Breslov Hasidim are preparing for Rosh Hashanah in Uman in the shadow of the war: the movement's leaders sent a thank-you letter to President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian authorities for their assistance, alongside heavy concerns regarding the security and logistical situation.