This past weekend, the former French Prime Minister and current Chair of the France–Ukraine Friendship Group in the French Parliament, Gabriel Attal, visited the Mishpacha Orphanage in Odessa. Mr. Attal led a delegation of distinguished French Members of Parliament, all of whom were highly impressed by the wonderful nurturing environment at the home.
Mr. Attal was in awe of the way Rabbi Avraham Wolff and his wife Chaya care for the 124 children; with their continual encouragement to study and develop, the children thrive. “I had heard so much about this Jewish orphanage,” he remarked. “Many people told me: ‘If you visit Ukraine, you must come here.’ I thank G-d for the opportunity to be here today. I thought I was coming to uplift the children, but I leave uplifted myself—by their faith, their resilience, and their hope for the future. It is a true life lesson.”
Throughout the visit, the delegation commented on the exceptional care provided to the children, even amidst the ongoing crisis. The visitors emphasized the importance of supporting Jewish communities, and they praised the unique contribution of the Mishpacha Home.
Rebbetzin Chaya Wolff, the orphanage’s director, thanked the delegation for their visit, noting the tremendous impact it had on the children and staff: “Knowing that people beyond Ukraine’s borders are thinking of us and supporting us gives the children great strength to carry on,” she said.
The French delegation pledged to continue strengthening ties with the local Jewish community and to serve as faithful ambassadors of compassion, support, and friendship among the two nations.
It is an honor and privilege to support the Mishpacha Orphanage and other Jewish institutions in Odessa and throughout Ukraine. Together we save lives and restore hope.
