Odesa's 19th-century synagogue hit by Russian drone strike
The historic Nakhlas Eliezer synagogue in Odesa (Photo: wikimedia.org/Ykvach)
During a nighttime attack by kamikaze drones, Russian forces damaged the historic Nakhlas Eliezer synagogue in Odesa. The building caught fire after being hit, further worsening its condition, according to a statement from Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi, Moshe Reuven Azman.
According to him, the strike targeted the synagogue in Peresyp, which was built at the end of the 19th century.
“This is a place of prayer, hope, and spiritual strength for the Jewish community of Odesa. Today, once again, we have witnessed how war affects not only people but also sacred places,” Azman wrote.
He also quoted the Chief Rabbi of Odesa, Avraham Wolf, who stated that the community remains in Odesa:
“We are here and we will stay here — and we will continue our work, no matter what,” said the Chief Rabbi of Odesa.
In Odesa, a synagogue caught fire on August 4 following a drone attack (photo: Chief Rabbi of Ukraine)
In Odesa, a synagogue caught fire on August 4 following a drone attack (photo: Chief Rabbi of Ukraine)
In Odesa, a synagogue caught fire on August 4 following a drone attack (photo: Chief Rabbi of Ukraine)
What is known about the synagogue
According to the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, the building caught fire after a strike by Shahed drones, further worsening its already dilapidated condition.
The synagogue was closed back in the 1920s during Soviet rule. In 1992, its prayer hall with 25-meter-high ceilings collapsed. Today, only remnants of a bakery, utility rooms, and fragments of religious items remain among the ruins.
On the night of August 4, Russia launched a drone attack on the Odesa region. Explosions were heard in the city, including in the city center and the Peresyp district. Mayor Trukhanov confirmed the strikes. Residents were urged not to record the air defense actions and to take shelter.
The drone attack caused large-scale fires in Odesa. The hardest hit was the radio market, where dozens of stalls with electronic equipment were destroyed by fire. A non-operational dormitory and a private house also caught fire. There were no casualties or injuries reported.
