New Law Would Oblige Hasidic Pilgrims in Uman to Pay UAH 750 Per Day to Visit Rabbi Nachman’s Grave

MP from the Party of Regions Anton Yatsenko January 15 submitted to Parliament a draft law that would regulate the stay of Hasidic pilgrims in Uman during the celebration of the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah.

Every year the grave of Rabbi Nachman in Uman is visited by about 30,000 Hasidim. The pilgrimage is a major event in religious tourism in Ukraine, reported Kyiv Yevreyskyi.

MP Anton Yatsenko proposes legislation to introduce electronic passes for the pilgrims. The cost of admission, according to the lawmaker, should be no less than the tax-free minimum income for a one day stay on the pilgrimage site. The exemption limit is 17 hryvnias, that is, one day stay at Rabbi Nachman’s grave would cost the pilgrims 750 hryvnias, almost $100. This does not cover the cost of housing, food, and other services, let alone the cost of travel, which is significantly more expensive.

The bill provides for the development and production of individual permits and the introduction of checkpoints that accept electronic passes. In addition, the bill provides for the regulation of rental rates for pilgrims to pay for utilities and other services.

Earlier, entrance to the territory was permitted upon presentation of a passport. Journalists were issued special permit by the Uman police.