Jews in Sumy, Ukraine Endured Pesach Amid Deadly Shelling
The Jewish community in Sumy, Ukraine, endured harrowing hours over Pesach as heavy shelling struck the city, causing widespread destruction and loss of life near the local Synagogue and JCC • Full Story, Photos
FJC
The Jewish community in Sumy, Ukraine, endured harrowing hours over Pesach as heavy shelling struck the city, causing widespread destruction and loss of life near the local Synagogue and JCC.
The attack, which killed dozens of residents, cast a shadow over the holiday, but services continued inside the synagogue.
Rabbi Yechiel Shlomo Levitansky, Chief Rabbi and Chabad Shliach of Sumy, described the terror that gripped the community. “Jewish families living near the blast site miraculously survived, but we all deeply mourn the tragedy that has struck our city,” he said.
On the first day of Yom Tov, during the morning prayers, two powerful explosions rocked an area just a few blocks from the synagogue. The blasts caused extensive damage, killing and injuring many, including children who had gathered in a nearby basement to prepare for an event. Despite the chaos, prayers inside the synagogue continued.
Rabbi Levitansky noted that some Jewish families suffered damage to their homes, with windows shattering from the impact, but miraculously, no community members were physically harmed. “There was a lot of panic, but thank G-d, we are all safe,” shared one congregant.
The devastating attack involved ballistic missiles, killing 34 people, including two children, and injuring 117 others. The basement where children had been preparing for an event—previously a venue for the Jewish community’s Chanukah concert—became yet another symbol of destruction.
Despite the tragedy, the Jewish community remained focused on celebrating Pesach. The communal Seder nights went ahead as planned, though attendance at the second Seder was slightly reduced due to fear and uncertainty. “For the most part, the Jews of Sumy were able to celebrate Pesach properly,” said Rabbi Levitansky.
Due to the city-wide curfew, some residents were unable to attend, so before Yom Tov, the community distributed special kits with everything needed to conduct a proper Seder at home.
Across Ukraine, FJC and Chabad’s humanitarian arm, JRNU, orchestrated a massive logistical operation to ensure that every Jew in the country could celebrate a kosher and joyous Pesach.
Tens of thousands of Jews participated in communal Seder nights, and over 50,000 Kosher for Pesach food packages—including hand-made Shmurah matzah, wine, kosher meat, and dairy products—were distributed. Trucks loaded with food traversed the country, even reaching remote villages. “Chabad emissaries did everything in their power to ensure no Jewish family was left without their holiday needs,” said a JRNU representative.
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