Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Israel’s National Security Council has called on Israelis to refrain from travelling to Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel supports the call of the NSC and recommends that Israeli citizens consider the need to visit Ukraine this year. This is stated on the website of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Komersant ukrainskyi
reports
The Israeli Foreign Ministry noted that the security situation in Ukraine continues to be particularly tense.
“The ongoing aerial bombardment and rocket attacks pose a real threat to human life. In addition, an Israeli citizen who has additional citizenship, whether Ukrainian or Russian, may be denied entry to Ukraine or Moldova, and may even be called up for military service under local laws,” the statement said.
In addition, in connection with the Iron Sword War, Israeli citizens arriving in Ukraine, despite the advice to refrain from travelling, are advised to minimise the display of Israeli and Jewish symbols, avoid crowded places and remain vigilant.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel emphasises that due to the security situation in Transnistria (Moldova), Israeli citizens are advised to plan their travel routes so that they do not pass through Transnistria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued special instructions for those who are going to visit Uman this year. They all apply to Ukraine and neighbouring countries – Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, and Romania:
- Validity of the passport – your passport must be valid for six months from the day you plan to leave Ukraine for Israel (not from the day you enter Ukraine!)
- “Black Seal” – anyone who knows that they are on the list of those banned from entering Ukraine will not be able to enter Ukraine!
- Goods subject to customs clearance – cigarettes, tobacco products and alcohol in the amount allowed for one passenger.
- Special prohibitions – the following substances are prohibited from being imported into Ukraine and all neighbouring countries:
- Cannabis, including medical cannabis – the licence is intended for use only in Israel and is not valid outside of Israel.
- Hashish – permitted for use only in Israel, consumption abroad is illegal.
- It is forbidden to import any other narcotic substances in any quantity.
- It is forbidden to carry or attempt to import any items that can be considered as weapons (edged or firearms).
- It is forbidden to import any food of animal origin into Moldova.
In 2024, the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, will be celebrated from 2 to 4 October, but pilgrims are expected to arrive in September.
Every year, tens of thousands of Jews who profess one of the streams of Judaism, Hasidism, make a pilgrimage to Uman, where the grave of the founder of Bratslav Hasidism, Tzadik Nachman, who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is located. The pilgrimage is timed to coincide with the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which this year is celebrated from 2 to 4 October.
The Hasidim believe that if they celebrate Rosh Hashanah at the grave of Tzadik Nachman, the next year will be very happy for them.