By Sergiy Karazy
UMAN, Ukraine (Multibagger) - Discover how tens of thousands of Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered in Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year, unfazed by Iranian missile threats and Russian attacks on Ukraine. Learn how they feel safe and protected despite the risks.
This year's Rosh Hashanah celebrations in Uman coincided with a sweeping ballistic missile attack on Israel by Iran, adding a new layer of danger to the ongoing conflicts in the region. However, the festive atmosphere in Uman remained undeterred, with visitors expressing unwavering faith and trust in God.
Despite concerns about safety, more than 30,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews made the journey to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, while others faced travel disruptions due to the escalating tensions. The pilgrims brushed off worries about Russian attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing their belief in divine protection.
One visitor, Akiva, highlighted the perceived safety of Ukraine compared to Israel, joking about the distance from Uman to the Russian border. He shared his experience of reaching out to family members in Israel during the missile attack, underscoring the resilience and faith of the community.
Many of the devout visitors expressed confidence in God's protection over the Jewish people, regardless of their location. Avihai echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the gravity of the Iranian attack but emphasizing the belief in being chosen and saved by God.
Analysis:
The celebration of Rosh Hashanah in Uman, Ukraine, amid geopolitical tensions highlights the unwavering faith and resilience of the Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Despite facing threats and risks, the pilgrims maintain a strong belief in divine protection, exemplifying their deep spiritual connection and trust in God's providence.
While the world may see conflicts and dangers, the visitors in Uman find solace in their faith, viewing Ukraine as a safe haven and a place of spiritual significance. Their unwavering commitment to tradition and religious observance underscores the power of faith in times of turmoil, offering a message of hope and strength to all who witness their steadfast devotion.