Yelensky reports to Israel on preparations for Hasidic pilgrimage

Viktor Yelensky. Photo: dess.gov.ua

Viktor Yelensky, head of Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), held online talks with Israel’s deputy prime minister, justice minister, and religious affairs minister, during which he reported on preparations for the Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman. The DESS press service reported this.

The meeting was also attended by Yehuda Avidan, director general of Israel’s Ministry of Religious Services, and Nachman (Joseph) Stenberg, a representative of the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Congress. The Israeli side asked what conditions the Ukrainian authorities were creating for pilgrims – followers of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov – and expressed hope that, despite the full-scale war and ongoing attacks, the annual pilgrimage to Uman would be held successfully.

Briefing the Israeli officials, Yelensky assured them that Ukraine remains committed to ensuring freedom of conscience not only for its own citizens but for everyone on Ukrainian soil. The sides also discussed the possibility of expanding pilgrims’ access to the burial sites of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidism, and Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad.

Separately, Yelensky held an online conversation with Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar, joined by Uman Chief Rabbi Yaakov Jan and World Zionist Organization representative Nachman Stenberg. The Israeli culture minister thanked the Ukrainian side for providing proper conditions for the Breslov Hasidic pilgrimage at an especially difficult time for both countries.

As the UOJ reported, the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration has begun preparations for the Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman.

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