KCSM Focus On Europe October 23, 2016
Prayers in hebrew ring in the air. No, it isnt jerusalem but the ukrainian city uman. Tens of thousands of hasidic jews from all over the world flock there to celebrate the jewish new year. These ultraorthodox jews make the pilgrimage to central ukraine every year because a founder of their sect is buried there. Uman is a nondescript town of some 80,000 inhabitants. Its soviet apartment blocks and quiet streets transform each every year to accommodate its visitors. The new year is a happy occasion, involving singing, dancing, and outbursts of praise to the consternation of some locals. Reporte...