Hasidic pilgrims cross Polish-Ukrainian border for Humani pilgrimage

In mid-September 2026, over 9,000 Orthodox Jewish pilgrims crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border to reach Humani, Ukraine. This mass annual pilgrimage is held to observe Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the closure of its airspace, the Podkarpackie region has become a vital transit hub for international travelers. Many pilgrims arrived via Rzeszów-Jasionka, where border guards managed approximately 50 flight operations to process the crowds. From there, travelers moved toward the border through crossings such as Medyka and Korczowa.

The destination is the grave of Tzadik Nachman of Bratslav in Humani. As a prominent Hasidic mystic, Nachman requested that his followers visit his tomb during Rosh Hashanah. Pilgrims travel from various locations, including Israel, the United States, Canada, and Europe, to participate in these religious observances.