Why tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews are flocking to Ukraine – and why they are dancing

Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews are flocking to central Ukraine, praying, singing, and dancing as they prepare to mark the Jewish New Year.

The annual pilgrimage draws thousands of visitors from around the world.

But who are they, why do they travel to a relatively small Ukrainian city every year, and are they still coming despite the conflict?

Who are the Hasidic Jews?

Hasidism is a movement within Orthodox Judaism that emerged in Eastern Europe in the 18th century. Over time, it developed into a number of groups with their own traditions and religious leaders.

Most of those making the annual journey to Uman are followers of the Breslov branch. Their connection to the city goes back to the man who founded the movement more than 200 years ago – Rabbi Nachman.

Who was Rabbi Nachman?

Nachman was born in 1772 in what is now Ukraine and was a great-grandson of Israel Baal Shem Tov, who is regarded as the founder of the Hasidic movement.

He founded the Breslov branch and emphasized prayer, simplicity, and joy. He also placed particular importance on his followers gathering with him for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Nachman died in Uman in 1810 and was buried there. His followers continued gathering in the city after his death, beginning a tradition that eventually developed into today’s mass annual pilgrimage.

How did Uman become a pilgrimage center?

Uman is a relatively small city in central Ukraine’s Cherkasy Region, around 200km south of Kiev. Its population stood at just over 80,000 before the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, while the annual pilgrimage brings tens of thousands of additional visitors.

Nachman moved to Uman only months before his death. Historical accounts say he chose the city because thousands of Jews had been killed there during a massacre in 1768 and wanted to be buried near the victims.

Uman later became home to a large Jewish community. Jews accounted for 59% of its population by 1897. The community was devastated during World War II, when around 17,000 Jews were killed after Nazi forces occupied the city.

Visits to Nachman’s grave continued on a much smaller scale during the Soviet period before growing substantially after the collapse of the USSR.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on September 11 and ends after nightfall on September 13. Unlike the secular New Year, it is primarily a religious holiday centered on prayer and reflection.

The holiday has particular importance for Breslov followers because Nachman considered their annual Rosh Hashanah gathering especially important. After his death, his followers continued meeting in Uman during the holiday, explaining why the city sees its largest influx of pilgrims at this time of year.

Why all the dancing?

The singing and dancing seen on Uman’s streets are not required Rosh Hashanah rituals.

Music and dancing are common at Hasidic gatherings, while Rabbi Nachman placed particular emphasis on joy. His followers therefore often combine prayer with communal singing and dancing during their time in Uman.

Do pilgrims still come despite the conflict?

Yes. Tens of thousands have continued making the journey despite the hostilities and official travel warnings.

Around 35,000 pilgrims visited Uman in both 2023 and 2024, while more than 35,000 traveled there in 2025, according to Ukrainian officials and media reports. Ukrainian authorities expect as many as 40,000 this year.

Ukraine travel warning

Last week, the US Embassy in Kiev issued a security alert recommending that Americans not travel to Uman, citing the risk of airstrikes, martial law, and movement restrictions. The embassy also warned US-Ukrainian male dual nationals that they may be unable to leave the country and could be subject to conscription. Ukraine has ended an exemption that previously allowed certain Ukrainian men living abroad to leave the country.

Security has been stepped up for this year’s gathering. Israeli police officers have arrived in Uman to work alongside Ukrainian law enforcement in areas where pilgrims are staying and gathering, according to police in Ukraine’s Cherkasy Region.

The pilgrimage has persisted through earlier disruptions as well. In 2020, pilgrims attempted to reach Uman despite Covid-19 border and travel restrictions.