Jewish institutions in Odesa by Russian air strike

A Russian missile attack against Odesa, Ukraine, has seriously damaged several historic sites, including the famous Bristol Hotel and a Jewish education establishment operated by Chabad.

The strike, which left at least seven injured people, also had an impact on the Odesa Philharmonic Theater and several buildings protected by UNESCO in the city center.

Friday’s attack marked another escalation of the Russian war against Ukraine, Odesa is frequently targeted due to its strategic importance. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike, highlighting the cultural and humanitarian toll.

Among the affected sites, there was the Bristol Hotel, an architectural benchmark dating from the end of the 19th century. The explosion broke the windows, damaged the marble stairs ornate and caused structural damage to the historic building facade.

The Odesa Philharmonic theater, a cultural icon of the city, was also damaged in the strike. Local authorities have warned that new assessments would be necessary to determine the full extent of the destruction.

A Russian missile strike on Odesa. On the historic city center, preliminary identified as a ballistic attack. A strike completely deliberate by Russian terrorists. Towardsly, no death has been reported. Some people were injured and received help. Among these … pic.twitter.com/uluuiy5y3

– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир зеленський (@zelenskyyua) January 31, 2025

Jewish education institution forced to close

A Jewish educational center affiliated with Chabad adjacent to the Bristol hotel was also affected. The establishment, which serves as a university for Jewish students from all over Ukraine, has suffered significant enough structural damage to cause the temporary closure of its facilities.

After the attack, the school administration announced that the students would be sent during a prolonged break until the renovations can be completed or another secure location. The University serves more than 100 students, many of whom have graduates from Chabad or Avner schools or the Mishpacha orphanage in Odesa.

The rabbi chief of Odesa and the south of Ukraine Avraham Wolff have sought to reassure the families concerned.

“I want to calm all parents; Each student is safe and protected, “he said. “We work tirelessly to restore normality as soon as possible.”

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Wolff also underlined the resilience of the Jewsa Jewish community.

“The Jewish community of Odesa has been faced with many challenges through history, and we are always stronger,” he said. “With the help of God, we will also overcome this and resume studies soon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and reiterated the need for stronger air defense measures. “Again, air defense remains our top priority. We work with all our partners to obtain more protection for our country, ”said Zelensky.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and reiterated the need for stronger air defense measures.

“Again, air defense remains our top priority. We work with all our partners to obtain more protection for our country, ”said Zelensky.

The attack on Odesa is the last in a series of Russian missile strikes targeting the cultural and historical sites of Ukraine. UNESCO and international preservation organizations have repeatedly expressed their concern about the destruction of the architectural and religious heritage of Ukraine.

The rescue organization of Chabad Rescue Jewish Relief Network Ukraine has not yet published details on the full damage or a calendar for the reopening of the Jewish Education establishment.