(JNS) Rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman called on Jewish pilgrims to avoid their annual trip to Uman to visit the burial site of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

“It’s a real war… my message to people is to please try to not come this year,” Azman told i24News from Basel, Switzerland, where he is attending a World Zionist Organization conference to mark the 125-year anniversary of the first Zionist conference. “Don’t come this year. It’s dangerous. It’s a war.”

Azman told i24News that Ukraine does not have the means this year to defend Jewish worshippers, as the country is fighting Russia’s invasion.

He also warned of potential Russian provocations, such as the launch of missiles in the vicinity of Uman.

His message was echoed by Ukrainian officials, who cautioned Jewish pilgrims not to attend this year’s celebration, citing a high probability of missile attacks and other potentially destabilizing Russian acts.