Breslev hassidim at Rabbi Nahman's grave site in Uman (archive photo)
צילום: איי אף פי
Works near Rabbi Nahman’s grave halted
Ukrainian authorities stop construction of hotel in city of Uman after Breslev hassidim claim mass Jewish grave located at site
Breslev hassidim and United Torah Judaism Knesset Member Meir Porush recently warned Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni of construction works carried out some 150 meters (about 490 feet) from Rabbi Nahman’s grave in Uman, Ukraine.
They further claimed that 30,000 murdered Jews were buried in a mass grave at the site. Foreign Ministry Director General Aharon Abramovitch asked the Israeli embassy in Kiev to work toward ending the construction, and the Ukrainian ambassador in Israel was made aware of the issue’s sensitivity.
The Ukrainian authorities obliged and the construction was halted last Tuesday.
Local officials said the construction was meant to examine whether it was geologically possible to erect a hotel at the site, adding that they were still awaiting proof of the mass grave’s existence.
Israel officials fear Breslev hassidim may riot at the site should the construction eventually resume.
