Just before the Iranian rockets and missiles started falling, several boys from Ukraine celebrated their Bar Mitzvah in Ashkelon, Israel. The event was hosted the Alumim Children's Home, supported by JRNU, that temporarily relocated from Zhytomyr to Israel immediately after the crisis began in Ukraine. Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, head of the orphanage and Chief Rabbi of Zhytomyr, commented on the boys’ progress, three years after the trauma of fleeing their country: "Seeing them here, speaking Hebrew, feeling at home and joyful—it’s nothing short of a miracle."
Rabbi Wilhelm and the staff of the Children's Home worked tirelessly to create a wonderful Bar Mitzvah celebration; three of the boys were from Alumim, and two others joined the relocated Zhytomyr community after they settled in Ashkelon. The event also marked the third anniversary of the community arriving in Israel, following their harrowing escape from the war. The children crossed borders under live fire, some without official documents, and made it to Israel where they received a warm welcome from government officials at the airport.
Once in Israel, the Zhytomyr community faced additional challenges. They initially settled in Nes Harim, but relocated to Ashkelon when it became apparent that they would have to remain in Israel for more than a few weeks. Over the past three years, the children have integrated into local schools and families have become part of the local community.
The emotional event brought together public officials, local residents, and members of the community: “Every child has a story, a whole world,” said Rabbi Wilhelm, who splits his time between Ukraine and Israel to support his dispersed community. “Seeing them celebrate their Bar Mitzvah here is beyond moving.”
Mendel Liberman, Chabad Rabbi in Ashkelon, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of unity and community: “Just as the children of Israel received the Torah at Mount Sinai, so too our children receive it here in Ashkelon—with joy and love.”
In the evening, Israel’s Minister of Welfare, Rabbi Ya’akov Margi, left Knesset discussions to join the celebration. The Welfare Ministry has been instrumental in supporting the Children's Home. Each Bar Mitzvah boy received a personal set of tefillin and siddurim, provided by generous donors.
Three years after the crisis in Ukraine began, the community that formed around the children of Zhytomyr continues to thrive—working toward the integration of both children and families into Israeli society, while preserving the unique spirit of the original Alumim home located in the “Or Avner” village of Ukraine: “This event was living proof that the Jewish spirit is stronger than anything,” said Rabbi Wilhelm. “Our community is blossoming—even in the most remote places.”
The evening concluded with prayers and hope for a better future—for global peace and unity.
Together we save lives and restore hope.
