This week the historic synagogue in Odessa was damaged in a drone attack. The building holds special significance, because for many years it was the only functioning Jewish house of worship in the port city. The Chief Rabbi of Odessa and Southern Ukraine, Rabbi Avraham Wolff, comforted his community in the aftermath of the attack, and reminded them of their strength and determination over the years: “The synagogue that was hit is not just a building—it is a symbol. For decades, when Judaism in Odessa was pushed underground by the Communist regime, this was the only home the Jews of the city had. And now—once again—it is under attack. But nothing will break our spirit.”
Rabbi Wolff, who has served in the region for nearly 40 years, emphasized the resilience of Odessa’s Jewish institutions:
“Throughout more than three years of war, we have not left our post—and we will not leave. Not the 124 orphans in our Mishpacha Orphanage, not the 45 Holocaust survivors in our senior home, not the hundreds of refugee families from across Ukraine, and not the thousands of Jews who rely on us to live their daily and spiritual lives,” he said.
Despite the danger, air raid sirens, power outages, and repeated attacks, the community’s institutions remain open and operational, providing critical aid and support to thousands of people: “This is our life’s mission—and we will remain here for as long as we are needed. With love, with responsibility, and with determination—we will not give up on a single Jew, nor on a single synagogue. [W]e are all in pain,” Rabbi Wolff concluded, “but we continue forward in our mission—for the Jews of Odessa and for the Jewish people, with the light of faith and purpose.”
With support from our generous donors, the leaders, staff and volunteers of JRNU continue to support the Jews of Odessa. Together we save lives and restore hope.
Photos: DUMSKAYA.NET
