Israeli doctors to accompany Hasidic pilgrims

Medical workers from Israel will arrive in Uman for the celebration of the Jewish New Year, head of medical and child programs Rabin Hillel Cohen said.

"Every year, pilgrims have problems with their health, but when a person goes to the doctor, he wants to understand what he is told. Therefore, eight doctors from the best hospitals in Israel will arrive in Uman. Another 10 nurses and 10 volunteers will also come," he said noting that the pilgrims will get aid free of charge.

He also said that this year, benefactors bought an ambulance, which will be in Uman all year round. Doctors will communicate with patients in Hebrew.

In addition, deputy mayor of Uman Petro Paevsky said that four police officers from Israel will come at the Jewish New Year. For security, 500 employees of Ukrainian Internal Ministry will be also present in addition to local law enforcement agencies.

Some 20,000 Israeli followers of the Hasidic mystic Rabbi Nachman of Breslav are expected to make the annual pre-Rosh Hashana pilgrimage to the Ukrainian city of Uman to visit his burial site next week. According to a report in Yedioth Ahronoth, 130 flights will depart Ben Gurion International Airport for Ukraine between Sept. 11-16.