After being stranded in Moldova’s capital and surrounding areas on Tuesday due to mass flight cancellations, hundreds of Israelis visiting Uman for Rosh Hashanah sought refuge at the Chabad House of Moldova. Mattresses were set up in the shul’s courtyard, and hot meals were provided to the travelers.

Chief Rabbi of Moldova, Shliach Rabbi Mendel Axelrod, said the community mobilized as soon as the cancellations were announced Thursday night. “We reinforced the kitchen staff and bought large quantities of basic goods, vegetables and fruit,” he said.

“Our workers labored around the clock before Shabbat, and baruch Hashem we managed to give those stranded here a warm place – an active shul, a mikveh, and nutritious meals. As of Monday evening, around 200 Israelis are still stuck here, and we are doing everything possible to assist them.”

Rabbi Shneur Tifenbrun, one of the local shluchim, added, “Many of the visitors were left without money, exhausted, and hungry. It’s very challenging, but we are here – like every Chabad house around the world – both materially and spiritually.”

One stranded traveler, Ephraim Volkovitz, described the experience at Chabad as deeply moving. “This was one of the most meaningful Shabbossim of my life,” he wrote. “From the little I saw, I learned so much about unconditional love for fellow Jews – care, hospitality under enormous pressure, patience, kindness, and so much warmth.”

Rabbi Zusha Abelsky, head of the Jewish community in Moldova, said, “Everyone found a place, no one went hungry, and the joy of Shabbos filled everything. It will remain etched in memory as a living testimony to the power of Jewish solidarity and kindness.” He noted that the community continues to assist those still stranded, alongside the Israeli Embassy in Chisinau, led by Ambassador Yoram Elron.