by Ilanit Chernick
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has announced it is opening a temporary consulate office in Uman, Ukraine to accommodate Jewish pilgrims coming to the site over Rosh Hashanah.
Tens of thousands of Jews are expected to visit and pray at the site where Rabbi Nachman of Breslov is buried during the high holy days. The Torah sage was a famous 18th century Hasidic leader who founded the Breslov sect. He was the great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Hasidic movement.
Many of the visitors to Uman from the Hasidic sect are named after Rebbe Nachman.
The Ministry said the consulate will deal with matters such as lost or stolen travel documents, and any other emergency assistance.
Israeli police officers as well as emergency services such as Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah, will also be sent as was done in previous years, to help local authorities with maintaining order.
Over Rosh Hashanah last year, a record 40,000 Jewish pilgrims flocked to the famous site.