Last-Minute Security Meeting Held Between Breslov Mashpiim and Ukrainian Officials Ahead of Uman Kibbutz

Just 24 hours before the onset of the holy Yom Tov of Rosh Hashanah, a crucial meeting took place between prominent Breslov Rabbanim and high-ranking Ukrainian government and police officials to finalize security arrangements for the annual Rosh Hashanah Kibbutz in Uman.

The official conference, held for the ninth consecutive year at the request of the Ukrainian government, took place in the central hall of Ichud Breslov, adjacent to the main Kloyz. The gathering focused on final preparations and strict security protocols for the massive influx of mispallelim.

The meeting was led by Rabbi Nosson Ben Nun, Chairman of Ichud Breslov in Uman, and was held b’nesius HaGaon HaTzaddik Rav Moshe Kramer Shlit"a and HaGaon Rav Yaakov Shiloach Shlit"a, the official Rav of Uman and Dayan of Breslov in Tzfas.

Also in attendance were prominent Mashpiim, including Rav Efraim Kenig, Rav Nosson Maimon, Rav Tzvi Liebermensh, Rav Avrohom Shimon Burshtein, Rav Shimon Teichner, Rav Shimon Eliyahu Braun, and Rav Yaakov Kenig, alongside numerous askanim and head gabbaim of the Kloyz.

Representing the Ukrainian government were senior police commanders and special envoys from the SBU (Ukrainian Security Service) in Kyiv. They were joined by the SBU commander for the entire Cherkasy region, the local Uman SBU chief, and the head police commander directly responsible for Yom Tov security, who presented gifts on behalf of the local security forces.

The program was moderated by Harav Nachman Tzvi Gewirtz, with the assistance of a local translator. Rabbi Nosson Ben Nun opened the meeting on behalf of the Rabbanim, offering warm words of bracha and deep appreciation to the Ukrainian government and its people. He highlighted their critical role in ensuring the Kibbutz could take place successfully despite the highly complex wartime circumstances.

The chief police commander from Kyiv emphasized that the government was fully prepared to accommodate the tens of thousands of Chassidim, with estimates projecting over 60,000 Yidden arriving from more than 46 countries. However, he starkly outlined the severe security threats posed by the ongoing war, urging the Rabbanim to demand 100 percent compliance from the tzibur regarding all laws and security instructions, without exception.

Several of the esteemed Mashpiim addressed the gathering, expressing profound gratitude to the government for facilitating the continuation of this holy tradition, which has been upheld with immense mesiras nefesh for over two centuries. The meeting concluded with warm brachos delivered by HaGaon HaTzaddik Rav Moshe Kramer to the government officials.

(Photo Credit: Ukrainian SBU)