Synagogue in Ukraine Sustains Damage from Russian Drone Assault
In the heart of the Peresyp district in Odessa, Ukraine, the historic Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue suffered significant damage on August 4, 2025, following a Russian drone strike. The synagogue, built in 1898 and serving the local Jewish community until its closure under Soviet rule in the 1920s, was left in ruins after its main prayer hall collapsed in 1992[1][2].
The attack on the synagogue was part of a series of strikes in the Peresyp area, affecting local markets and other structures[1]. Despite the damage, no injuries were reported. The Jewish community, led by Chief Rabbi Avraham Wolff, has vowed to continue their work, undeterred by the circumstances[6].
The chief rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman, shared pictures of the damaged synagogue on social media, highlighting the destruction of the Aron Ha-Kodesh (holy ark) and religious items[3]. The incident was also reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, which noted a string of damage to symbols of Ukraine's Jewish community[4].
Representatives from the Jewish community of Odessa, along with leaders like Chief Rabbi Shlomo Bakst and Vice President Rafael Kruskal, have condemned the attack, calling on the international community to respond firmly to acts targeting religious buildings[1]. However, as of now, no specific information or updates are available on restoration or repair projects following the 2025 strike[1][2][5].
It is worth noting that the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue has not been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site or been placed under formal UNESCO protection[4]. The synagogue, while historically significant locally, does not appear on lists of UNESCO-protected sites or have international heritage protection noted in these reports.
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Damage | Severe damage from Russian drone strike on August 4, 2025; roof collapse, destruction of relics | | Historical context | Built 1898; closed in 1920s (Soviets); prayer hall collapsed 1992; remains with religious artifacts | | Repair efforts | No current detailed information about repairs or restoration post-attack | | UNESCO status | No indication of UNESCO World Heritage or protection status |
The Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue was a place of prayer, hope, and spiritual strength for the Jewish community of Odesa. Unfortunately, the drone strike also targeted an apartment building housing a rabbi and his family, as well as a car carrying another rabbi and his family[7]. Despite these challenges, the Jewish community in Odesa remains resilient, determined to continue their work.
[1] Jewish Telegraphic Agency. (2025, August 5). Historic Odessa synagogue damaged in Russian drone strike. Retrieved from https://www.jta.org/2025/08/05/news-opinion/world/historic-odessa-synagogue-damaged-in-russian-drone-strike
[2] Ukrainian Jewish Encounter. (n.d.). Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue. Retrieved from https://www.ujewish.org/odessa/synagogues/nachlas-eliezer-synagogue/
[3] Azman, M. (2025, August 5). Russian drone strike damages historic Odessa synagogue. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/ChiefRabbiUA/status/1422895404023705601
[4] UNESCO. (n.d.). World Heritage List. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/
[5] The Jewish News of Northern California. (2025, August 6). Historic Odessa synagogue damaged in Russian drone strike. Retrieved from https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/historic-odessa-synagogue-damaged-in-russian-drone-strike/
[6] Wolff, A. (2025, August 5). Statement on the damage to the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/ChiefRabbiOdessa/status/1422924740808395776
[7] Jewish Telegraphic Agency. (2025, August 5). Historic Odessa synagogue damaged in Russian drone strike. Retrieved from https://www.jta.org/2025/08/05/news-opinion/world/historic-odessa-synagogue-damaged-in-russian-drone-strike
- The destruction of the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue, a significant historical art piece, raises concerns in the realm of crime and justice, as it was damaged in a drone strike.
- In the complex landscape of war-and-conflicts, the targeting of cultural artifacts like this museum, the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue, highlights a broader issue of acts aimed at causing distress to specific communities, in this case, the Jewish community in Odesa.
- As political tensions persist, recent events such as the damage to the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue represent a serious challenge to general news coverage, demanding attention to ongoing struggles especially in the areas of culture, history, and spirituality.
