A devastating fire broke out shortly before midnight on Shabbos at the complex surrounding the ohel of the Alter Rebbe in Haditch, Ukraine, causing extensive damage estimated in the millions of dollars.

The flames spread rapidly through the complex’s main building, which houses the central shul and beis medrash, kitchen and guest facilities used by the thousands of visitors who travel to Haditch throughout the year.

Local firefighters were dispatched to the scene during Shabbos and battled the blaze for several hours. Although they succeeded in preventing an even greater disaster, the central building was effectively destroyed.

In open miracles, no one was injured in the fire.

The complex is directed by the Rebbe’s shliach in Haditch, Rabbi Shneur Deutsch, who oversees the ohel and the extensive hachnosas orchim operation serving visitors, local Jews and refugees from across Ukraine.

“We are in total shock,” Rabbi Deutsch said. “The entire central building of the ohel, into which we invested our hearts, souls and our entire lives, has been consumed by fire. The damage is simply unimaginable, and it is extremely painful.”

Rabbi Deutsch said that despite the destruction, the work of restoring the complex would begin.

“Chassidim are not deterred by anything,” he said. “As the Rebbe’s shliach and the person responsible for this holy complex, I cannot give up. With Hashem’s help, we will find the strength to rebuild everything. It will take whatever time and money are required, and we will make it larger and more beautiful than before.”

He added that he was confident Anash would join the rebuilding effort and expressed gratitude to Hashem that no one was physically harmed.

Ukrainian police have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire. An electrical short circuit is among the possibilities being examined, but authorities have not yet issued a final determination and all avenues remain under investigation.

Rabbi Meir Stambler, chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, said the federation is awaiting the investigation’s findings and remains in contact with the authorities.

“We are preparing to provide replacement seforim and religious articles, and we are certain that the Jewish public in Ukraine and around the world will assist in repairing the enormous damage,” he said. “I thank the fire services and the Haditch municipality for their dedicated work in extinguishing the blaze.”