In Kishinev, the capital of Moldova, a ’round table’ meeting was held today (Wednesday), with the participation of representatives of countries and security bodies, in order to summarize the preparations and ways for Breslav’s followers to reach Rosh Hashanah.
The meeting was initiated by Rabbi Pinchas Salzman from Moldova, against the background of his in-depth acquaintance with the Moldavian and Ukrainian security bodies – and the representatives of the countries that can help resolve the crisis.
The meeting hosted today was attended by senior officials from the United States Embassy, led by Deputy Ambassador and Political Adviser, Ukrainian Deputy Ambassador to Moldova Vladimir Manzola, Breslav Union Chairman Rabbi Natan Ben Nun, representatives of the Bauman Rescue Union and the Logistics Staff, Levi Yitzhak Gvirtz and Israel , Representatives of the Moldovan airlines ‘Air Moldova’ and ‘High Sky’, representatives of the immigration authorities and security forces within the borders of Moldova.
Rabbi Salzman presented the experts’ assessments, according to which most Breslav followers who come to Uman for Rosh Hashanah will land in Moldova – in light of the relative proximity to Uman, and the long border between Ukraine and Moldova.
Rabbi Salzman explained to those present the importance and commitment of the Breslav Chassidim to come to Uman on Rosh Hashanah, and their devotion to the observance of Rabbi Nachman’s teaching.
The Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova made it clear to Breslav Hasidic representatives that his country would not prevent the entry of Hasidim, and that no policy change was currently planned.
The Ukrainian diplomat even stated that he would assist Breslav’s followers in whatever they needed. The American diplomats also expressed their willingness to help in order to solve the bureaucratic problems and to help with the security challenges that are expected in light of the tense situation in the region.
The chairman of the Breslav Bauman Union, Rabbi Natan Ben-Nun, introduced the participants to the importance of travel and the many challenges facing the Hasidim.
Representatives of the Rescue Union, who gained much acquaintance with activities in Moldova and Ukraine during the war, presented their assessments ahead of the arrival of Breslav’s followers on Rosh Hashanah.
It was also agreed that a joint intelligence point with information in Hebrew would be operated for the benefit of the landers, and a hospitality complex would be opened near the international airport in Kishinev as well as at the border crossings.