Politicians, celebrities, and also deserters: Rosh Hashanah in Uman broke new records this year | Special documentation
Despite the war in Ukraine, over 65,000 worshippers arrived at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman for Rosh Hashanah, a new record. Among those attending: politicians, celebrities, a Lithuanian yeshiva head, and IDF deserters. Hotel and housing prices soared, with a double room at 50,000 shekels and a bed in a group room at $1,000. Estimates suggest that once the war ends, visitor numbers will surge.
Rosh Hashanah in Uman broke new records this year: despite the war in Ukraine, over 65,000 worshippers arrived at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Among those attending: politicians such as Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar and other Knesset members, celebrities, a Lithuanian yeshiva head who came in exchange for a donation of tens of millions of dollars to his debt-ridden yeshiva, and IDF deserters who managed to leave Israel despite arrest warrants. The influx of crowds drove up hotel and housing prices: a hotel offered accommodation at 50,000 shekels per couple, and the price of a bed in a group room reached $1,000. Food distribution centers operated on site, offering thousands of meals at reduced prices or for free. The deserters received a briefing day from the Breslov Hasidic sect before their return flight to Israel, where arrests await them at Ben Gurion Airport. Estimates in Uman suggest that once the war between Ukraine and Russia ends, the number of visitors will surge even further and break additional records.