This week, Katrin Göring-Eckardt, a member of the Bundestag (the German Parliament) visited the Mishpacha Orphanage in Odessa. In the midst of her reunion with kids who she met three years ago in Berlin, air raid sirens warned of an impending attack. The Member of Parliament was rushed to the shelter along with the 124 resident children, providing her a first hand perspective of life in Odessa.
Ms. Katrin Göring-Eckardt was introduced to the founder of the orphanage, Rabbi Avraham Wolff, who is also the Chief Rabbi of Odessa, when the orphanage temporarily relocated to Berlin to escape the war. In February 2022, as rockets and missiles were descending on Odessa and throughout Ukraine, Rabbi Mendy Wolff and his wife loaded more than 100 children onto buses, for a trip they believed would last several days or weeks, at the longest. In Germany, the orphanage received tremendous support from the German government and the local Jewish community. After it became clear that the children would not be able to return to Odessa for some time due to the ongoing crisis, Rabbi Wolff arranged to operate the orphanage in a hotel on the outskirts of Berlin. The Mishpacha Orphanage remained there for more than a year, returning to Odessa in March of 2023.
During her visit to Mishpacha, Ms. Katrin Göring-Eckardt recognized familiar faces from their time in Berlin. She spoke with the children about the upcoming school year and offered them encouragement. As the air raid sirens blared and everyone rushed to the basement, the startled Member of Parliament commented: “This experience, in the shelter, showed me the reality these children live with every day,” Ms. Göring-Eckardt said, adding that “their resilience is a true source of inspiration.” She expressed hope for peace and prosperity in Ukraine.
Rabbi Wolff thanked the distinguished guest for making the trip and noted the significance of the event: “The children she once met as refugees in Berlin are now hosting her in their home. This is a testament to the strength of our community.”
It is an honor and privilege to support the Odessa Jewish community, including the Mishpacha Orphanage and the many other critical programs and services. Together we save lives and restore hope.
