Recently, the Jewish community of Kherson lost a long-time member, Yevgeny Bodnar, who died from injuries sustained in an attack on the city. Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Wolff, who has led the Jewish community in Kherson since 1993, knew Mr. Bondar well:
“[He was] quiet, modest and warm; [a]lways ready to help another person, both in his professional work and in every other area of life; [h]e was deeply respected and loved by all.”
Yevgeny Bondar, was an 84-year-old Holocaust survivor, who narrowly escaped the German invasion of Crimea and then moved with his family from place to place, staying one step ahead of the Nazis. Eventually, the family settled in Kherson, where for more than 40 years, Yevgeny served as an emergency physician. For decades, while Ukraine was under communist rule, Dr. Bondar and others were prohibited from pursuing Jewish learning and observing Jewish holidays. After the Soviet Union collapsed, he and others helped rebuild the Jewish community. Over the past four years, Dr. Bondar has been especially involved, attending nearly every event, and becoming a familiar and reassuring presence to all. Last month, he was critically injured during an attack on Kherson; he was hit by a piece of shrapnel, causing serious internal injuries and requiring the amputation of one arm. Sadly, Dr. Bondar succumbed to his injuries several days later.
The loss has shaken the community, which continues to live under the constant threat of harm: “Before the war, there were 10,000 Jews living in Kherson. Today, there are between 800 and 1,000,” said Rabbi Wolff. “Anyone who was able to leave, did.” Most of the Jews who remain in Kherson are elderly and lack the strength or resources to uproot their lives and begin again elsewhere. Thankfully, there are individuals like Rabbi Wolff and his family, who risk their lives to remain in the city, and care for those who cannot leave:
“We are their lifeline, their final support system,” he said. “We make sure they have food, medication and the basic necessities for survival. Without us, they would be completely alone.”
On more than one occasion, Rabbi Wolff and his family narrowly escaped harm. First, the car he was in with his wife and daughter was hit by a suicide drone; miraculously, they escaped unharmed. Several months later, in October, a large shell ripped through the central synagogue of Kherson, piercing the roof and landing in Rabbi Wolff’s office on the ground level. Although the building was occupied at the time, there were no casualties:
“Anyone who says they are not afraid is either crazy or lying,” says Rabbi Wolff. “Of course, it’s frightening to live under constant bombardment, but we learn to overcome the fear and do what needs to be done.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, more than 80 people joined together to celebrate Hanukkah with candle lighting and festivities. During the holiday, Rabbi Wolff and his sons visited Jews in their homes, delivering menorahs and a message of hope.
We remember Dr. Bondar and others who have lost their lives in the ongoing crisis. We hope and pray for peace in Ukraine and around the world. Together we save lives and restore hope.
