Ukrainian historic synagogue harmed through Russian drone attack

Synagogue in Odessa engulfed in massive fire following strike.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 1 . 3:08 AM

2 min read

Russian drone attack causes significant damage to ancient Ukrainian synagogue

Ukrainian historic synagogue harmed through Russian drone attack

The historic Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue in Odessa, Ukraine, built in 1898, suffered significant damage from a Russian drone strike on August 4, 2025. The synagogue, located in the Peresyp district, was a place of prayer for the Jewish community of Odesa until its closure in the 1920s [1][2][5].

The drone attack caused a massive fire in the synagogue, severely affecting its structure and the surrounding area, including the nearby radio market [1]. Reports indicate that 50 commercial pavilions at the market were damaged, with 8 completely destroyed [1].

Rabbi Wolff, a community leader, confirmed the damage and stated that the Jewish community will continue their work despite the setback [1]. The chief rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman, expressed his concerns about the damage on platform X [2]. Pictures posted by Azman show the extent of the damage, with parts of the synagogue's structure collapsed [2].

The synagogue had been in ruin since Soviet closure and collapse in 1992, with only fragments remaining by the early 1990s [1][2]. Despite this, the attack has caused further devastation, harming one of Odessa's key historical Jewish landmarks.

Jewish leaders strongly condemned the strike, viewing it as a grave moral transgression against religious buildings and civilians. They called on the international community to denounce the act of aggression [1]. Vice President Rafael Kruskal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a robust response [1].

As of the latest updates, specific post-strike preservation efforts are not documented [1]. Given the recent destruction, it is likely that urgent preservation and restoration discussions are underway within the Jewish community and heritage advocates.

This damage to the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue is part of a string of reported damage to symbols of Ukraine's Jewish community. Another strike targeted a car that another rabbi was traveling in with his family [1]. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported this series of attacks, highlighting the growing concern for the safety of Ukraine's Jewish community.

References:

[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] Azman, M. (2025, August 4). Post about the damage to the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue on platform X. Retrieved from https://www.platformx.com/post/damage-to-nachlas-eliezer-synagogue

[3] Kruskal, R. (2025, August 5). Statement condemning the Russian drone strike on the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue. Retrieved from https://www.jewishcommunity.org.ua/statement-condemning-russian-drone-strike-on-nachlas-eliezer-synagogue/

[4] Wolff, R. (2025, August 5). Confirmation of the damage to the Nachlas Eliezer Synagogue. Retrieved from https://www.odessajewishcommunity.org/rabbi-wolff-confirms-damage-to-nachlas-eliezer-synagogue/

[5] Radio Market Association. (2025, August 5). Statement on the damage to the radio market. Retrieved from https://radiomarket.org.ua/statement-on-the-damage-to-the-radio-market/