Ukrainian officials said last month they would not allow foreign nationals to enter the country during September. Most of the pilgrims are from Israel. Last year, close to 30,000 came to Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah.

Coronavirus cases have risen sharply in Ukraine in recent weeks. On Thursday, officials reported more than 3,500 infections in the previous 24 hours, the country’s highest daily total to date. Israel, meanwhile, has introduced a second national lockdown in response to its own spike.

Videos released by Ukraine’s state border service show scores of pilgrims gathered at two locations, and Ukrainian forces with riot shields blocking their entry into the country. Most of the pilgrims seem to be sleeping on the ground or their luggage, but some tents are visible. An aerial shot shows a line of trucks backed up at one border crossing. Some trucks appear to be entering Ukraine.

“I understand your traditions and customs, I understand how important it is for you to be in Uman, but this year it’s …continued .
[Source: Washington Post]