Yelensky assures U.S. Hasidim of religious freedom during Uman pilgrimage

Viktor Yelensky and Rabbi David Niederman. Photo: DESS Facebook

The head of Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, Viktor Yelensky, and his deputy, Viktor Voynalovych, held a working meeting with Rabbi David Niederman, president of the United Jewish Organizations of Brooklyn. This was reported by DESS on Facebook.

The parties coordinated efforts to organize the pilgrimage to the grave of Tzadik Nachman, traditionally held in September for the Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashanah.

During the discussion, the officials focused on security issues and cooperation between Ukrainian authorities and representatives of Hasidic communities. Yelensky assured the American guest that Ukraine remains “committed to the principles of religious freedom” and will make every effort to protect the rights of those taking part in the trip.

For his part, David Niederman expressed gratitude to state institutions for the opportunity to make prayer journeys even amid the armed conflict. The participants also reviewed the experience of previous years and discussed the current situation in the life of the Jewish community.

As the UOJ reported, DESS announced the “world’s largest Jewish pilgrimage.” The event was organized through interagency preparations involving representatives of various ministries. At the time, Ukraine was preparing to receive about 45,000 Jews despite martial law and the ban on mass gatherings.

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