In a heavy missile attack on Odesa, Ukraine, the historic Bristol Hotel in the city center was struck. Nearby, Chabad’s Jewish University was also severely damaged, leading to the temporary evacuation of its students. The city’s chief rabbi reassured parents and shared an optimistic message.
Three years into the crisis, the attacks continue unabated. Overnight, the historic Bristol Hotel in central Odessa was hit in a missile strike. In the same attack, the nearby Jewish university suffered significant structural damage.
Due to the extensive damage, the university administration announced that students would be sent on break until necessary renovation work is completed or an alternative facility is found. The university serves over a hundred students, many of whom are graduates of FJC’s ‘Mishpacha’ orphanage in Odesa and the FJC ‘Or Avner Chabad’ school network from across Ukraine.
Rabbi Avraham Wolf, Chief Rabbi of Odesa and Southern Ukraine, addressed concerned parents: “I want to reassure all parents – all students are safe and protected. We are working tirelessly to restore normal operations as soon as possible.”
“The Jewish community in Odessa,” Rabbi Wolf added “has faced many challenges throughout history, and we have always emerged stronger. This time too, with G-d’s help, we will overcome this crisis and resume studies promptly.”
The Jewish University of Chabad Odesa serves as a vital educational institution for Ukraine’s Jewish community and acts as a second home for many of its students, particularly those who grew up in the Jewish community’s educational institutions across the country.
JRNU, the Federation of Jewish Communities and Chabad’s humanitarian arm in Ukraine – has not yet provided details about the exact extent of the damage or the estimated timeline for resuming studies at the location.
Photos by Odesa Regional Administration
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