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There have been chaotic conditions in recent days at Novi Jarulovichi, the main border crossing between Ukraine and Belarus, not far from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Some 2,000 Jewish Hasidic pilgrims have been denied entry to Ukraine because the country has closed its borders, in an attempt to stop a coronation.
Jewish pilgrims head to Uman south of Ukraine’s capital Kiev. Every year there is a great religious celebration in honor of the Jewish Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who died in this city in 1810.
The celebration takes place in connection with the religious holiday Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Jewish pilgrims in Uman, Ukraine. The pilgrimage there has increased dramatically in recent years.
Photo: GENYA SAVILOV / AFP
High infection rates in Ukraine
But in August, the Ukrainian authorities chose to close the border to all entry. The number of infected people in the country has increased dramatically in recent weeks, and on Thursday the country reports 3,600 new cases of Covid-19, which is a lot in a country with more than 40 million inhabitants.
Although both the Ukrainian and Israeli authorities have actively reported that the country is closed to entry, several thousand ultra-Orthodox Jews have chosen to go to neighboring Belarus.
From there, they will try to enter Ukraine. Belarus does not have the same entry restrictions as many other countries in Europe.
A Jewish pilgrim has fallen asleep while Ukrainian rebel police are stationed at the Novi Jarulovichi border crossing
Photo: Breslev Live / Reuters
In 2018, around 20,000 pilgrims were present during the celebration.
Ampert
But so far, the Ukrainian authorities have said they will not allow pilgrims to enter.
Belarusian authorities say they can offer buses to take them to and from Uman, but so far Ukraine has not agreed to this.
During the period, there has been an aggressive atmosphere on the border between Belarus and Ukraine.
Photo: STR / EPA
At times it has been widespread at the border crossing. The Ukrainian authorities have deployed additional police to prevent pilgrims from entering the country.
At the same time, they say they have ensured that Orthodox Jews have the most necessary food and drink. Belarus has also provided the pilgrims with food and water.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the pilgrims should have been quarantined for 14 days in Belarus before it could be relevant for them to enter Ukraine.
Jewish pilgrims have had to sleep in the open for several nights
Photo: Breslev Live / Reuters
Political game?
Ukraine and Belarus accuse each other of the special situation.
This is happening at the same time that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is under pressure due to large protests due to what many believe was extensive electoral fraud during the August 9 presidential elections.
Ukrainian authorities have suggested that Lukashenko use what is happening to the pilgrims to divert attention from internal problems.
