Moldova-Uman Flight Deal Collapses, Travelers Diverted Elsewhere

The agreement between Israel and Moldova over flights to Uman ahead of Rosh Hashanah has collapsed, leaving thousands of travelers scrambling for alternatives.

According to Nati Kalisz, while Israel had approved the transfer of funds demanded by the Moldovan government, officials in Chisinau insisted on receiving the money immediately and introduced what were described as “unreasonable demands.” As a result, the arrangement has fallen apart.

With the Moldova route closed, flights for those heading to the kever of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov in Uman will now be diverted to other destinations.

The setback follows weeks of tense negotiations after Moldova initially agreed to facilitate flights but tied approval to a series of financial and logistical conditions. Israel had faced pressure to secure the deal, as Ukraine has maintained its ban on large-scale entry of Jewish visitors directly into the country for the holiday.

The development comes as Ukraine has reiterated that it will not permit mass entry of Jewish visitors seeking to travel directly to Uman to daven at the kever of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. With that route blocked, Moldova has been viewed as a critical transit point for people determined to reach the site.