A Russian suicide drone struck near the historic Great Choral Synagogue in Odessa late Wednesday night, causing heavy damage to one of the city’s most important Jewish landmarks and injuring a member of the local community.
The explosion shattered all of the synagogue’s windows, leaving parts of the sanctuary damaged and littered with glass. Air conditioning units were torn from the walls, and study areas were heavily impacted. The attack highlights the ongoing danger facing civilians and religious institutions amid the war in Ukraine.
The Great Choral Synagogue, built between 1840 and 1846, has stood for nearly two centuries as a symbol of Jewish resilience. It survived pogroms, world wars, and decades of communist repression, including an 80-year period when it was shut down under Soviet rule. Today, it serves as a central hub for Jewish life, providing meals, education, and care for thousands in the community.
