in what might be the most interesting campaign promise made this election season, the Na Nach party is planning to work on aspects of the Israel - Uman connection.
Sharon Knafo, head of the Na Nach party, says he has plans to lighten the load from those who travel between Uman and Israel.
Knafo's main plan is to move Rebbe Nachman's grave from Uman and re-inter his remains in Israel. Until that happens, he has other plans to improve the travel arrangements. Such as, Knafo wants to work on getting the airport by Uman up and running. It seems there is an old, abandoned, Ukranian army airbase just outside of Uman. There have been plans to renovate it and re-open it for commercial use. Knafo plans to work on getting it opened so pilgrims to Uman won't need to travel through other Ukranian airports but will be able to go directly to and from Uman.
More interestingly, Knafo wants trips to Uman to be considered some sort of therapy rather than a normal trip of tourism or business. Knafo says this would make it easier for people who are supported by Bituach Leumi and by other people not allowed to leave the country to still be able to go to Uman. It would not be called international travel but would be considered therapy in Israel.
And, Knafo wants to make it easier for prisoners in jail to be able to go to Uman. It would apply to prisoners who are not deemed dangerous, and there might be restrictions such as electronic handcuffs [for some] or police escorts when necessary.
Also, travel taxes to Uman would be lowered and there would be limits on the price points so travel agents and airlines can't charge ridiculous prices. The trips would therapy so they would be included in the "sal briyut" - the basket of approved medicines subsidized by the Ministry of Health.
source: Kikar
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