Why tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews are flocking to Ukraine – and why they are dancing

The centuries-old pilgrimage draws followers of a Jewish religious movement from around the world every year Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews are flocking to central Ukraine, praying, singing, and dancing as they prepare to mark the Jewish New Year.

The annual pilgrimage draws thousands of visitors from around the world.

But who are they, why do they travel to a relatively small Ukrainian city every year, and are they still coming despite the conflict? Who are the Hasidic Jews? Hasidism is a movement within Orthodox Judaism that emerged in Eastern Europe in the 18th century.

Over time, it developed into a number of groups with their own traditions and religious leaders.

Most of those making the annual journey to Uman are followers of the Breslov branch.

Their connection to the city goes back to the man who founded the movement more than 200 years ago – Rabbi Nachman.

Who was Rabbi Nachman? Nachman was born in 1772 in what is now Ukraine and was a great-grandson of Israel Baal Shem Tov, who is regarded as the founder of the Hasidic movement.

He founded the Breslov branch and emphasized prayer, simplicity, and joy.

He also placed particular importance on his followers gathering with him for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Large groups of Hasidim are crossing into Ukraine and heading to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.

Several thousand are already there.

By September 11, when the Jewish New Year begins, organizers expect up to 40,000 pilgrims from Israel, the US and around the world.

War, missile risk,… pic.twitter.com/eklA9ZzENB — Iuliia Mendel (@IuliiaMendel) September 8, 2026 Nachman died in Uman in 1810 and was buried there.

His followers continued gathering in the city after his death, beginning a tradition that eventually developed into today’s mass annual pilgrimage.