Preparations for the annual Rosh Hashanah gathering at the kever of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov in Uman are accelerating, with approximately 2,000 mispallelim already arriving in the Ukrainian city and an estimated 40,000 expected despite the ongoing war.

Polish authorities are urging travelers to avoid the Medyka-Shehyni border crossing between Poland and Ukraine, where major infrastructure work is severely restricting bus traffic and could cause hours-long delays. Travelers and organizers are being advised to use alternative crossings including Korczowa and Budomierz.

Romania, meanwhile, is mounting a major operation to handle the influx. Senior Romanian government officials, police and security agencies, border police, representatives of Israel’s Foreign Ministry and representatives of Ichud Breslov in Uman, headed by Rabbi Natan Ben Nun, held a large coordination meeting Wednesday.

Officials reviewed a special security protocol prepared by Ichud Breslov at the request of Romanian authorities, including measures to monitor and secure travelers, deploy translators and assistance personnel at border crossings, and establish refreshment areas for those making the journey.

Romanian Border Police said it will significantly increase staffing at crossings with Ukraine in an effort to speed processing and reduce waiting times. Ichud Breslov thanked the Romanian government for the extensive resources being devoted to the operation and agreed to publicize official instructions issued by authorities.

Travelers without European passports will also have to contend with the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System, known as EES. Instead of traditional passport stamping, travelers will have their entries and exits digitally registered.

Non-European passport holders will be required at participating border points to scan their biometric passports, provide fingerprints and have facial images taken. Registration is completed at the border and does not require advance online registration, but officials warn that processing each traveler could take several minutes and potentially add significant delays during the already busy Rosh Hashanah travel period.

In Uman itself, Ukrainian authorities are imposing strict wartime security measures. A complete nightly curfew will be in effect from midnight until 4:00 a.m., with vehicle movement during those hours permitted only under direct Ukrainian police escort.

Authorities are also banning fireworks, pyrotechnics and lasers, as well as motorized scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and three-wheeled vehicles throughout the area surrounding the kever. Visitors must carry their passports at all times, immediately obey security personnel and enter a protected area without delay whenever an air-raid siren sounds.

Police are imposing a complete ban on carrying, selling or consuming alcoholic beverages in the area of the kever. Knives, sharp objects, weapons and even toys or replicas resembling weapons or explosives are also prohibited, with authorities warning that violations will be met with zero tolerance.

Ukrainian tourism authorities are additionally warning visitors about scams involving Uman’s local tourism tax. Travelers are being told to pay the tax only through official bank accounts authorized by the Uman City Council and official channels established for the Rosh Hashanah gathering, and not to transfer money to unauthorized individuals claiming to collect the fee.

The extensive preparations come as tens of thousands of Breslover Chassidim and other Yidden prepare to make the journey to Uman for Rosh Hashanah despite the continuing war, heightened security restrictions and potentially lengthy border delays.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)