Avakov: Cabinet of Ministers decides to limit arrival of Hasidim in Uman

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov. Photo: mvs.gov.ua

On August 17, 2020, the government supported the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine: this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hasidim are restricted from visiting the city of Uman during the celebration of the Jewish New Year, reports the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“We have heard the reports of the relevant ministers in the Government and came to the conclusion that the epidemiological situation in the country and in the world does not allow organizing and conducting mass events, especially with the participation of foreigners,” said Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.

He added that every year from 30 to 50 thousand Hasidim from different countries, who celebrate and conduct various religious rituals and visit holy places for three days, come to Uman.  This format of a mass event during a pandemic creates serious risks of the virus spread.

In addition, according to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the department reached a similar agreement with representatives of other denominations, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which refused to hold a religious procession due to the pandemic.

As reported earlier, the Ministry of Health called on the authorities to enhance control over compliance with quarantine measures.

Read also