Ukraine has officially recognized the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman—an annual pilgrimage site for tens of thousands of Jews, many of them Israeli—as a national heritage monument.
The decision, made by Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers following a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communication, designates the site as a historic location preserving the memory of the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement. As a result, the grave will now receive the country’s highest level of protection granted to national landmarks.
Rabbi Nachman’s grave is a major spiritual center that draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year, particularly during Rosh Hashanah.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, said the designation is the outcome of years of work by the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communication, in coordination with local authorities and international partners.
He described the move as a further step in preserving Ukraine’s spiritual heritage, its diverse history, and cultural pluralism. According to Korniychuk, the decision will also serve to strengthen cultural and religious ties between Ukraine and Israel.
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“The recognition of the site as part of Ukraine’s national heritage proves the importance of Jewish culture as an integral part of Ukraine’s broader national identity,” the ambassador said.
“In these dark times, when the Russian military deliberately targets civilian infrastructure—including religious and historical sites—Ukraine is investing significant effort in preserving and protecting all sites of cultural and spiritual value,” Korniychuk added. “We hope our international partners will support us in safeguarding our shared cultural heritage from barbaric destruction by Russia.”