Israeli carriers El Al and Israir have organized special flights to bring back hundreds of Israeli pilgrims. These travelers were stranded in Romania after their return flights from Ukraine were canceled. The cancellations happened due to significant congestion at land border crossings out of Ukraine. Pilgrims had visited Uman, Ukraine, for the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli airlines El Al and Israir arranged special flights from Romania.
- Hundreds of Israeli pilgrims were stranded after visiting Uman, Ukraine.
- Original flights were canceled due to border congestion from the ongoing conflict.
- El Al operated one flight, while Israir scheduled three flights.
- Approximately 40,000 pilgrims traveled to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.
Pilgrims Stranded Due to Border Delays
The issue arose after pilgrims completed their annual Rosh Hashanah visit to Uman, Ukraine. Many had booked flights with foreign airlines for their return journey to Israel. However, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has made direct flights to Ukraine impossible since 2022. All travel in and out of Ukraine must happen via land crossings to neighboring countries.
These land border crossings experienced severe congestion and long delays. This led to the cancellation of many scheduled flights with international carriers. As a result, hundreds of Israeli travelers found themselves stuck in Romania, unable to return home as planned.
Fact: Uman Pilgrimage
Uman, Ukraine, is a significant site for tens of thousands of observant Jews. They make an annual pilgrimage to pray at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Rabbi Nachman was an 18th-century rebbe who founded the Breslov Chassidic movement. This year, about 40,000 mainly Israeli Chasids made the journey.
Israeli Airlines Respond to Crisis
Upon learning of the situation, Israeli airlines El Al and Israir quickly responded. Both carriers announced special flight arrangements to assist the stranded pilgrims. This decision followed discussions among key Israeli government officials.
According to reports, Transport Minister Miri Regev, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and MK Aryeh Deri, head of the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, were involved in these discussions. Their involvement highlighted the urgency of the situation for the Israeli government.
An Israir spokesperson stated on Sunday, "The flights were available for purchase, ensuring travelers could secure their return to Israel."
El Al and Israir Flight Schedules
El Al committed to operating one flight from Bucharest, Romania. This flight was scheduled for Saturday night and aimed to transport approximately 300 passengers back to Ben-Gurion International Airport in Israel. The swift organization of this flight was crucial for many pilgrims.
Israir announced a more extensive operation. The airline planned to offer three flights on Sunday. These flights would depart from both Bacău and Bucharest, Romania. In total, Israir aimed to bring back 540 travelers to Israel. This combined effort by the Israeli carriers provided significant relief to those affected.
Background: Travel During Conflict
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 severely impacted air travel. Since then, no direct commercial flights have been permitted into or out of Ukraine. Travelers must use land routes to reach neighboring countries like Romania, Poland, or Moldova before taking international flights. This adds complexity and potential delays to any journey involving Ukraine.
The Significance of the Uman Pilgrimage
Uman is located about 125 miles south of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The annual pilgrimage to Rabbi Nachman's tomb is a central event for Breslov Hasidim, especially during Rosh Hashanah. Pilgrims believe that praying at his tomb during the Jewish New Year brings spiritual blessings.
The large number of pilgrims, estimated at 40,000 this year, highlights the importance of this tradition. The sudden disruption to their return travel underscored the challenges of international travel, especially in regions affected by conflict.
Government and Airline Collaboration
The quick coordination between Israeli government ministers and the airlines demonstrated a focused effort to assist citizens abroad. Such situations require rapid logistical planning and resource allocation. The use of special flights is a common practice when commercial options become unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances.
Ensuring the safe return of citizens from complex travel environments remains a priority for governments. The efforts by El Al and Israir provided a direct solution for hundreds of individuals who faced unexpected delays and cancellations.
- El Al: One flight, 300 passengers, Saturday night from Bucharest.
- Israir: Three flights, 540 passengers, Sunday from Bacău and Bucharest.
These flights were vital in mitigating the impact of the travel disruptions. They allowed many pilgrims to return home in time for the conclusion of the holiday period.
