The Jewish World is Shocked by Construction on the Ancient Jewish Cemetery in Uman

The Jewish community, particularly Breslov Hasidim worldwide, has expressed deep concern and shock over reports of construction activities near the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman, Ukraine, on the site of the Ancient Jewish Cemetery. This site is revered not only as the burial place of Rabbi Nachman (1772–1810), founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement, but also as a mass grave for thousands of Jewish martyrs killed during the Uman Massacre of 1768 (known as the Koliyivshchyna uprising led by Ivan Gonta and Maksym Zalizniak). On June 21–23, 1768 (6–8 Tammuz 5528 in the Jewish calendar), Haidamaks brutally murdered thousands of Jews who had sought refuge in the city's main synagogue, along with women, children, and the elderly.

Recent social media posts, photos, and videos have highlighted excavation and building work that allegedly disturbs graves, prompting a global campaign—especially intense during these commemorative days in the Jewish calendar—for prayers to halt the desecration and preserve the cemetery intact.

Breslov Hasidim have mobilized hundreds of thousands to recite special prayers, including one composed over a century ago by Rabbi Chaim Palagi and a specific one for Uman's cemetery by the renowned Breslov leader Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shechter. These prayers invoke divine intervention to protect the resting places of the righteous and the martyrs, thwart malicious plans, and ensure the site's sanctity.

The community calls on the Ukrainian government to take all necessary measures to stop any further disturbance and safeguard this sacred historical and cultural site, emphasizing that its preservation is vital for religious reverence, historical memory, and the site's economic role through annual pilgrimages.

Prayer for the Salvation of the Graves of the Thousands of Innocent Victims of the 1768 Pogrom and All Other Jews Buried in the Ancient Jewish Cemetery in Uman

Composed by the righteous and outstanding rabbi, Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shechter (may his years be long). This prayer is based on the one composed by the great Rabbi Chaim Palagi (of blessed memory).

Master of all Worlds, Lord of lords, have mercy on those resting in the Ancient Jewish Cemetery in Uman—thousands upon thousands of righteous men, women, and children who gave their lives for the sanctification of Your Name—as well as on the rest of the Jews buried in this cemetery, and protect their dignity. In the merit of their great holiness, which no one alive today can match, shield them from the hands of evildoers, so that the wicked cannot even lift a finger against the deceased or disturb or desecrate their graves.

Merciful One, frustrate their designs and ruin their plans; do not let the desires of the sinners come to pass, do not advance their schemes, and do not allow them to harm or destroy the graves of Your righteous ones. For the sake of those who love You—the holy departed lying in their graves—fulfill for them the words: "Let them come in peace" and "Rest in your resting places, those who lived in righteousness."

We implore the righteous men and women buried in this cemetery to plead before the Throne of Glory for the destruction of our enemies and the subjugation of the sinners, so they cannot harm the people of Israel. "The righteous will sing Your glory; they will praise You in their places of repose." Grant them peace—bless them, purify them, have mercy on them, and reward them in Your righteousness.

Reveal the glory of Your kingdom over us soon; manifest and exalt Yourself over us in the sight of all living beings. Merciful, Compassionate, Guardian, Sustainer, Savior, and Righteous One—accept our prayers and the prayers of all Your people Israel with favor. Amen, may it be so!