New National Guard unit created in Uman to protect Hasidic pilgrims

A new National Guard company has appeared in Uman to protect Hasidic pilgrims. Photo: "Suspilne.Cherkasy"

The authorities have formed a new patrol company of the National Guard in Uman to maintain order during the pilgrimage of Hasidic Jews for the Rosh Hashanah holiday. The security forces formed the unit over the summer from new volunteer contract servicemen aged 18 to 40, reports "Suspilne.Cherkasy".

Deputy commander of the patrol battalion Vladyslav Skrypnyk said that the company consists of natives of the Cherkasy region, as the local residents' knowledge of the locations helps the security forces better control the situation in the city. The command does not assign this battalion to combat missions. The National Guard soldiers will maintain public order in Uman throughout the entire year.

Maintaining law and order during the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah became the first assignment. The fighters of the new company carry a pocket dictionary and are studying Hebrew to properly communicate with the arriving pilgrims. "I learned basic words in Hebrew so that I could at least understand the guests — where to direct them in case of an emergency or any other need," said Mykhailo Yurchenko, a soldier of the new company.

As the UOJ reported, the safety of the Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman is under the personal control of the President.

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