Sumy Community Miracously Survives Deadly Air Strike

At the start of shachris on Yom Tov, a deadly missile attack shook the central shul in Sumy, Ukraine, as it struck just a few blocks away, claiming the lives of dozens of residents and injuring many more. Miraculously, no one from the Jewish community was harmed, but their hearts are broken.

The Yom Tov of Pesach was overshadowed by fear and tragedy for the Jewish community of Sumy, Ukraine, as a deadly missile attack shook the city, claiming the lives of dozens of residents and injuring many more. The bombardment occurred just a few streets away from the city’s central shul, during Yom Tov davening.

Rabbi Yechiel Shlomo Levitansky, the city’s longtime shliach and rabbi, shared that although members of the Jewish community living in the vicinity were spared, it was nothing short of a miracle. “Baruch Hashem, no members of our kehillah were physically harmed, but our hearts are broken over the terrible loss suffered by our fellow townspeople,” he said.

The attack took place on the first day of Yom Tov, just as the community was gathered in shul for Shacharis. Two direct hits shook the city, causing widespread destruction, and leading to the deaths of 34 residents, including two children. 117 others were injured. Particularly chilling was the fact that one of the blasts struck near a basement where children had been preparing for a holiday event—a space that had previously hosted the community’s Chanukah concert.

Despite the horror and chaos outside, davening continued inside the shul, with heartfelt tefillos offered for the safety of the city’s residents. “There was a great deal of panic,” one mispallel recalled, “but baruch Hashem, we are all safe. Our emunah gave us strength, and we stand in full solidarity with the people of Sumy.”

Several families experienced damage to their homes, including shattered windows, but were otherwise unharmed.

While fear understandably affected turnout on the second night of Yom Tov, the community remained steadfast. “Most of the Jewish families were able to celebrate the Seder properly,” said Rabbi Levitansky. “For those unable to come due to the curfew and safety concerns, we personally delivered Seder kits before Yom Tov, so they could fulfill the mitzvos at home.”

The Chabad-led humanitarian network JRNU mobilized an impressive logistical effort across Ukraine to ensure a proper Pesach for all. More than 50,000 packages of Kimcha D’Pischa—including shemura matzah, kosher wine, meat, and dairy products—were distributed, even to remote villages. Public Sedarim took place in dozens of cities, drawing tens of thousands of participants, despite the ongoing war. “The Shluchim of Chabad made sure no Jewish family would be left without the essentials for Yom Tov,” JRNU reported.

In Sumy—as in many other cities across the war-torn country—life and faith triumphed over fear, with the Jewish community standing strong and united through the Yom Tov of geulah.