Ukraine remains in crisis. Worsened by harsh winter conditions, civilian infrastructure across the country is being targeted by missile and drone strikes—leaving entire communities without power, water, and shelter. Ukraine’s largest cities, including Kyiv and Odesa, have not been spared, with emergency response teams working around the clock—sometimes in total blackouts.
Jewish communities have also been affected, including synagogues. The Fellowship’s partners in Ukraine have been providing updates.
Our partners at Tikva Odesa reported that a missile fell near the city’s Great Choral Synagogue this week, landing and exploding just meters from the building. The blast blew out the synagogue’s windows and doors. One security guard was injured and is receiving medical care. The damage was captured on the synagogue’s security camera.
The Great Choral Synagogue is one of two synagogues that remain in Odesa today. Built in 1840, it survived both World Wars and decades of communist repression. The synagogue has long served as a Jewish community center, offering a library, kosher restaurant, and Hebrew classes.
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, former Chief Rabbi of Moscow, said that with God’s blessing, the synagogue will withstand these acts of aggression—as it has throughout history—and will once again be vibrant, active, and thriving. Tikva Odesa is currently appealing for support to restore the synagogue in the wake of these attacks.
The Great Choral Synagogue is a lifeline for the vulnerable and elderly in Odesa—some of whom attended the synagogue while growing up. When this rocket struck, it put not just a synagogue, but an entire community at risk.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for the people of Odesa, for Ukraine, and that God’s gift of shalom—peace—will soon find them.
