Help for the Synagogue
Volunteers and Hillel students helped clear the "Tikva" Synagogue in Odesa after damage caused by a drone strike
After a Russian Shahed drone hit a neighboring building, the "Tikva" Synagogue of the community in Odesa sustained significant damage. The blast wave shattered windows, destroyed stained-glass elements, damaged window structures, and left parts of the building covered with broken glass and construction debris.
In the first days after the incident, volunteers and Hillel students joined the recovery efforts. They worked together to clear the space as quickly as possible and restore the building for future use. Preserved stained-glass elements were carefully removed and stored, broken glass was collected and removed, and damaged window structures were dismantled.
A separate task involved clearing the room where humanitarian aid intended for distribution before Passover was being stored. It was important to preserve as much as possible and ensure safe access to the space so the community could continue its work.
This work required not only physical effort but also great concentration and caution. In difficult conditions, the volunteers worked together in a coordinated way, supporting one another and understanding the importance of every action they performed.
When tragedy strikes, the most important thing is not to stand aside. It is in moments like these that the strength of a community becomes most visible - the willingness to step forward, help, share responsibility, and simply be there for one another.
The support provided by volunteers and students became an example of how a community can unite during times of crisis to restore not only a physical space but also a sense of stability and support.
It is this kind of solidarity that helps people overcome difficult events together while preserving humanity, dignity, and mutual care.
This Shabbat, we wish everyone peace, safety, and light - in Ukraine, in Israel, and throughout the world.