Hasidic Pilgrims in Uman: Record 52,000 Gather for Rosh Hashanah 2026
Hasidic pilgrims in Uman gathered in record numbers as an estimated 52,000 worshipers arrived in Ukraine’s Cherkasy region for Rosh Hashanah 2026. Israeli Police spokesperson Michael Zingerman stated that this year’s gathering stands as one of the largest ever recorded in the city. Visitors began arriving en masse several days before the start of the Jewish New Year.
Official counts surpassed 45,000 pilgrims by September 11, climbing to approximately 52,000 by the following day. Worshipers from across the globe traveled to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, navigating wartime travel restrictions and security risks across Ukraine.
The 2026 figures mark a significant increase compared to 2025, when 42,000 to 43,000 believers visited Uman. This represents an increase of roughly 9,000 to 10,000 visitors year-over-year. Local authorities and law enforcement agencies deployed stepped-up security protocols across the pilgrimage quarter and major transit areas.
