Remains of British Jew discovered in forest near Uman during Rosh Hashanah holiday

ZAKA's international division, headed by Baruch Nidam, is handling the release of the body and its transfer for burial.

The remains of a British Jewish man, about 45 years old and a father of seven, were found in a forest near Uman on Sunday bearing signs of violence, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.

Members of the local Jewish community suspect murder, but Ukrainian police, who are investigating the case, have not officially determined that a criminal act took place.

ZAKA's international division, headed by Baruch Nidam, is handling the release of the body and its transfer for burial.

Aharon Ben Harush, who serves as deputy head of the United Hatzalah branch in Uman, said that the man was found by police during the Rosh Hashanah holiday. He added that the circumstances of his death are being investigated.

"United Hatzalah representatives in Uman are working with the authorities to secure the release of his body for burial as soon as possible," Harush said.

Tens of thousands of Israelis travel annually to Uman for Rosh Hashanah

Uman is a pilgrimage site that is visited by thousands of religious Israeli Jews annually, despite the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia and safety concerns pertaining to travel in the country.

Breslov hasidim traditionally spend Rosh Hashanah at the grave of Rabbi Nahman of Breslov, something that has not changed in the last couple of years since the start of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on Friday, September 11.

This year, amid increased enforcement against ultra-Orthodox (haredi) draft dodgers, the trip became a particularly sensitive issue within the community. Senior Breslov rabbis urged those who could face arrest not to go to Ben Gurion Airport or try to resolve their status solely for the flight.

At the same time, an unofficial initiative emerged within the community to hold Rosh Hashanah prayers in military prison if the trip could not take place, in an effort to exert public and operational pressure on the IDF.