As thousands of Breslov Hasidim head to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, the Union warns that disorderly behavior, toy guns, and even extra cigarettes could end in arrests, fines, and a global scandal.
With Rosh Hashanah fast approaching, throngs of Breslov Hasidim are preparing their annual spiritual pilgrimage to Uman — but this year’s journey comes with unusually strict warnings.
Because of the war in Ukraine and the ban on civilian flights into the country, worshippers are funneling through airports in Moldova, Romania, and Poland. Authorities there, however, are cracking down after last year’s chaos.
Romanian airport officials have decreed: arrive more than three hours early and you’ll be barred from the terminal altogether. The move is designed to prevent the mass disorder seen in past years.
The Breslov Union, working hand-in-hand with European authorities, has gone further — issuing a list of red-line rules:
- Cleanliness counts: Dumping trash in public areas has triggered international headlines and accusations of desecrating God’s name. Activists warn that disrespect could cost the entire pilgrimage’s future.
- Toy weapons = real crime: A plastic gun may seem harmless in Ukraine, but in Europe it’s a “dangerous weapon” — carrying it could lead to immediate arrest.
- Cigarettes under fire: Only 40 cigarettes (two packs) are permitted across borders. Anything more could be prosecuted as commercial smuggling with heavy fines.
- Prescription meds: Drugs like Ritalin, Concerta, or sedatives require a medical certificate in English, notarized papers, and a personal declaration. Without this, pilgrims risk being charged with drug trafficking.
- Smoking crackdown: With most European airports eliminating smoking areas, violators caught lighting up indoors face stiff fines and even bans from entering the country.
Union leaders stress that one wrong move could taint not just this year’s pilgrimage but future access altogether.
“Extensive efforts were invested this year with the Romanian authorities,” the Union declared. “Any disrespectful behavior may jeopardize the continuation of flights in the future.”
For the Hasidim, the call is clear: sanctify God’s name, or risk turning the pilgrimage into a public relations disaster.
