Odesa Jewish school, orphanage damaged in Russian strikes

The Chabad Ohr Avner school and the Mishpacha Ukraine orphanage in Odesa have been severely damaged by Russian bombings, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict's impact on civilian infrastructure, including vital community institutions.

Southern Ukraine and Odesa Chief Rabbi Avraham Wolff described the harrowing moments as caregivers rushed children to shelters just before a powerful explosion rocked the area. While thankfully no lives were lost, the direct hit on the school and the devastation at the orphanage underscore the vulnerability of these havens for children.

“

We barely had time to close the door, and then the big explosion came. It shook the entire street, but the speed with which we acted was more important than ever this time. We realized that right next to us was a direct and fatal hit.

This incident is not isolated. Jewish sites in Odesa have been repeatedly targeted, raising concerns about the deliberate targeting of community institutions. The focus now is on repairing the damage, with Rabbi Wolff expressing confidence in the global Jewish community's support to resume operations within months. The immediate priority remains the well-being of the children and the elderly, including Holocaust survivors, highlighting the deep-rooted connection and responsibility the community feels towards its most vulnerable members.

“

This is where most of our energy is invested, to take care of their integrity, their well-being, and their normal lives.