Breslov hasidim have sent letters to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert asking
that the government provide security for the tens of thousands of people visiting the gravesite of the sect's founder in Uman, Ukraine each year.
Shabbat Service
Women locked inside Breslov synagogue / Pnina Geffen
New guidelines imposed by Safed's Breslov community determine women must leave Shabbat service before final prayer or they are locked inside gallery until men make their exit; women undecided as to whether rule is respectful or degrading
Currently, security at the grave of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov is provided by the Ukranian authorities and a few dozen volunteers, but warnings of possible attacks against Jewish and Israeli targets aboard in retaliation for the assassination of top Hizbullah commander Imad Mugniyah
in Damascus last February have prompted the Breslov hasidim to demand increased security at the site.
Hizbullah believes
Israeli Mossad agents were behind Mugniyah's death.
In addition to the letters relayed to Olmert, the hasidim have also been discussing the matter with Israel's security services and the Counter-Terrorism Bureau.
"We are currently negotiating with the security services out of concern for the people who are set to visit Rebbe Nachman's gravesite," said Daniel Edery, director of the Breslov World Center.
"We've suggested drafting an extensive security plan now so we won’t wake up after the fact. The State of Israel's serious approach to the threat is both positive and responsible."
No less than 25,000 people are expected to flock to Rebbe Nachman's grave during the upcoming Jewish New Year.
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