Historic 19th-century synagogue damaged in Odessa drone attack

During a nighttime suicide drone attack on August 4, Russians damaged the historic Nahlas Eliezer synagogue in Odessa. The building caught fire after being hit, further worsening its condition.

This was reported by the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Reuven Azman.

According to him, the attack occurred on the synagogue in Peresyp, built in the late 19th century.

“This is a place of prayer, hope and spiritual strength for the Odessa Jewish community. Today we have once again witnessed how war affects not only people, but also holy places,” Azman wrote.

He also quoted the Chief Rabbi of Odessa, Avraham Wolf, who stated that the community remains in Odessa

“We are here and will remain here – and we will continue our work, no matter what,” the Chief Rabbi of Odessa said.

According to the United Jewish Community of Ukraine, the building caught fire after a raid by the Shahids, which worsened its already dilapidated condition.

The synagogue was closed in the 1920s under Soviet rule. In 1992, its prayer hall with 25-meter ceilings collapsed. Today, only the remains of a bakery, utility rooms, and fragments of religious objects remain among the ruins.