Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean has informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel must cover the costs of logistics and security for its citizens traveling through Moldova to reach Uman, Ukraine, for the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage. The arrangement comes as direct flights to Ukraine remain suspended due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, making Moldova a key transit point for pilgrims visiting the burial site of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. The Israeli government has allocated funds from several ministries to support the pilgrimage, despite previous warnings from Ukraine and Israeli officials about travel risks. Discussions are ongoing about allowing Haredi men under travel bans to participate, with Shas leader Aryeh Deri advocating for their inclusion on religious grounds.

Original article source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/moldovan-pm-tells-netanyahu-israel-must-pay-for-hasidic-pilgrims-heading-to-ukraine/
Source Id: 2025-08-814713039