President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with representatives of Jewish religious organizations in Ukraine and discussed compliance with anti-epidemic restrictions during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah in Uman, the press service of the head of state reports.
At the meeting, Zelensky noted that Ukraine understands how important it is for tens of thousands of Hasids to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic has made significant adjustments to plans and habits this year, because now the epidemic situation in Ukraine and Israel is of great concern.
“This year, due to coronavirus, the situation the whole world is struggling with is difficult. All large gatherings give an increase in infection incidence […] Mass celebration of Rosh Hashanah will lead to a colossal collapse. It will be a collapse in Ukraine, then it will be a collapse in other countries,” the president stressed.
Zelensky said that he has discussed the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and according to the head of the Israeli government, about 8,000 believers come to Ukraine every year from Israel alone.
“That’s why they [the Israeli side – ed.] asked us to close Uman. This holiday is very important. I am sure that every year we will only strengthen our relations … But we have a difficult situation,” the president explained, asking the representatives of Jewish religious organizations of Ukraine to appeal to the Jewish community to avoid mass gathering on Rosh Hashanah this year.
The head of state also added that through the dynamics of the spread of coronavirus in Ukraine, the government plans to restrict the entry of foreign citizens.
In turn, the rabbis who took part in the meeting noted that they understand the situation developed due to the spread of the coronavirus and will try to convey information to the believers.
Read also: Zelensky proposes to make Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah and Passover national religious holidays.
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