BREAKING: Askonim Mobilize to Assist Yidden Returning from Uman Close to Shabbos

Thousands of Yidden were left stranded on roads and at airports while returning home from Uman, Ukraine, after visiting the kever of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, zt"l, for Rosh Hashanah.

The long journeys were already difficult before Rosh Hashanah, with hundreds of travelers arriving without their luggage, which remained stuck at various airports across different countries. After Yom Tov, the situation worsened, as tens of thousands of travelers began the journey home to be with their families for the upcoming Yomim Tovim. Border lines became severely congested, creating significant delays for countless travelers.

Over the past 48 hours since Motzaei Yom Tov, tens of thousands of Jews have traveled from Uman toward border crossings into neighboring countries, from where flights to the U.S., Israel, and other destinations depart. Border delays have lasted an estimated seven hours, causing many to miss flights and forcing some charter flights to be canceled.

As of Friday afternoon, while the European horizon is already welcoming Shabbos, thousands remain stranded across various cities in Europe, at airports, and border crossings. Many are staying in local hotels or temporary tents. Local organizers have worked tirelessly to assist those stranded, providing food, accommodations, and other support, earning widespread praise for their efforts.

In New York, preparations are underway for the approaching Shabbos, as several flights are expected to arrive late in the afternoon, including one from Bucharest to JFK around 5 PM. Askonim and Chessed organizations, including Chaveirim and Shomrim, are mobilizing buses, meals, and other assistance to help travelers reach their destinations safely in time for Shabbos following an exhausting but exalted week of travel.