Odessa Community Accompanies Jewish Fighter to Final Rest

A somber funeral was held today in Odessa for Tzvi Hirsh (Gregory) Zvirgzdeh a”h, a graduate of the Chabad School, and a soldier in the Ukrainian army. The funeral procession departed from the Chabad shul, attended by family, friends, community members, and an entourage of Ukrainian soldiers.

By Anash.org reporter 

A somber funeral was held today in Odessa for Tzvi Hirsh (Gregory) Zvirgzdeh a”h, a graduate of the Chabad Or Avner Jewish School, and a soldier in the 34th Battalion of the Ukrainian army, who fell in the line of duty while defending his homeland. 

The funeral procession departed from the Chabad Central Synagogue in Odessa, attended by family, friends, members of the Jewish community, and many local residents who came to pay their last respects. Ukrainian soldiers joined in the procession as well.

He was laid to rest beside his late grandmother at the city’s Jewish cemetery.

Tzvi Hirsh, who was raised and educated at the Jewish school in Odessa, maintained a close connection with the community throughout his life. “His death is a heavy loss for his family, his community, and his people,” they said during the eulogy.

“Tzvi Hirsh will always be remembered as a brave fighter, a kind-hearted person, and a beloved alumnus of our institutions,” said Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Odessa and Southern Ukraine. “May his memory be a blessing”.