Who goes to Uman for Rosh Hashanah? IDI releases new poll as holiday approaches
Uman, a city in central Ukraine, is the burial site of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810), the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement.
Eight percent of adult Jewish Israelis have journeyed to the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov at least once in their lives, according to a new poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) throughout July and August 2026. The survey, which will be published in the coming months under the editorship of Ariel Finkelstein, Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz, and Ya'ari Padan, reveals that Uman, a pilgrimage site visited by thousands of religious Israeli Jews annually, remains a significant destination despite the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia and associated safety concerns.
Rabbi Nahman of Breslov, the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement, is traditionally commemorated by Breslov Hasidim on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins at sundown on Friday, September 11. This practice has persisted even amidst the conflict, underscoring the site's enduring importance to the community.
Rosh Hashanah, marking the beginning of the Jewish civil year, draws tens of thousands of Israelis to Uman each year. The number of visitors has skyrocketed since the 1990s, with the current influx of tens of thousands traveling to the site annually. Many of these pilgrims join organized groups that manage visas, lodging, and logistical arrangements, often collaborating with Ukrainian authorities and local volunteers to ensure safety and support during their journey.
Among those who have already visited Uman for Rosh Hashanah, approximately half of the respondents in the 2026 IDI poll indicate they return to the site every few years, while 22.5% visit at least once per year. The study also highlights a disparity in visiting patterns based on ethnic background, with 13% of Mizrahi Jews having made the trip compared to significantly lower rates among Ashkenazi Jews (5%) and mixed-ethnic backgrounds (4%).
Furthermore, demographic data reveals that only 23% of women among those who have visited Uman chose to do so specifically during Rosh Hashanah, with the majority opting to visit at other times throughout the year.
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