“As in the spring, we had to restrict people’s participation in the Easter birthday party, now we explain that Rosh Hashaná’s massive birthday party with the participation of thousands of pilgrims in the city of Ouman, Ukraine’s Cherkasy region, is woefully impossible,” he said.
Ukraine criticized the leadership of Belarus, with whom it experienced tensions over the disputed re-election of strong man Lukashenko. The ties between Belarus and Ukraine have tightened after Lukashenko accused Kiev of sizing the political unrest and mass protests that erupted after winning the controversial elections last month.
The Ukrainian presidency suggested that Minsk avoid “spreading false and encouraging statements to pilgrims, which may give them the feeling that the Ukrainian border can still be opened to foreigners. “
He added that “the non-public insult of some other people in the current de facto Belarusian government now extends, unfortunately, to interstate relations. “
Ukraine has suggested belarus avoid allowing others to cross the country’s border, which it knows will not be allowed to enter, so far, it seems, without success.
Although the media has widely described the pilgrims as stranded at the border, nothing turns out to save them from returning to Belarus. National news firm Belta reported that some had returned since the start of the border crisis.
Lukashenko spokeswoman Natalya Eismont said Belarus is in a position to provide transportation for believers to sites in Ukraine and then back to Minsk airport.
Without a solution to the crisis, the thousands of other people who, as devout Jews, traveling on holy days, may be forced to spend the Jewish New Year, which falls from 18 to 20 September this year, in Belarus or in the aspect of a road near the border.
The believers went to Ouman this year even though the governments of Ukraine and Israel asked the pilgrims not to travel last month. Ukraine’s rabbinine leaders also warned of the risks of infection and suggested that pilgrims reconsider their decision.
Pilgrims criticized the Israeli government for Ukraine closing its borders, tourists from all other countries were also blocked.
Ukraine has noticed a steady increase in infection rates since March, with some 3,000 cases in line with the day recorded in recent days. Meanwhile, 76 other people died in the country on Tuesday, with 50 deaths per day, which is not unusual in recent weeks. reported more than 162,000 cases of coronavirus and more than 3,340 deaths.
Habad officials in the country described Ukraine’s fitness formula as on the verge of collapse, unable to cope with the influx of cases.
Both governments said they would provide materials to stranded crowds, pilgrims complained of lack of blood and hunger.
The head of Ukraine’s border guard, Sergiy Deyneko, addressed the pilgrims in a video broadcast through him on Wednesday, saying no one could enter the country.
“I respect your traditions and customs, but this year you may not be able to pass Uman. I’m in a position to repeat it, if necessary, a thousand times,” he said.
Ukrainian border guard service said pilgrims had to enter Ukraine “even after receiving explanations and were fully aware of access restrictions for foreigners. “
The video showed many Hasidic Jews convincing Ukrainian border guards to make an exception.
“We are in a position for all situations and orders on the coronavirus. Let us in!” read a handwritten sign transmitted by one of the devoted believers in the video.
“At the moment, the stage does not allow us to let more Hasidic Jews into Ukraine,” Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeniy Yenin told Ukraine 24.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers deployed in Ukraine in the northern Chernigiv region, spending the night in army tents, an AFP correspondent reported on site.
– TUT. BY (@tutby) September 15, 2020
“There have been no provocations or tensions since yesterday,” Ukrainian border guard spokesman Demchenko said.