By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Yitzchok Meyer and Leah Lipszyc, co-directors of Chabad Lubavitch of Crimea in Ukraine, have left the region as masked gunmen taking over key buildings.
Crimea is an autonomous republic of Ukraine with an ethnic Russian majority. It’s the last large bastion of opposition to Ukraine’s new political leadership after President Viktor Yanukovych‘s ouster.
Government administration buildings in Simferopol remained under siege Friday, a day after armed men stormed in and planted Russia’s flag atop the parliament building, CNN reported.
The gunmen, whom Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov called part of an “armed invasion” by Russian forces, appeared around the airport without identifying themselves.
A family member told COLlive that Rabbi Lipszyc, who was in Moscow this week, changed his flight to land in Donetsk. Mrs. Lipszyc boarded a train from Simferopol to Donetsk on Thursday.
“As American citizens and noticeably Jewish, it isn’t safe for them there,” the person said. “Their house is 3 blocks away from the city square and you need to cross it to get to the shul.”
To avoid areas of unrest, members of the Jewish community brought the Torah scrolls and prayer books to the home of the Lipszycs and were going to stay there for Shabbos.
COLlive was told that until matters clear up, Rabbi and Mrs. Lipszyc plan to travel to the United States, from which they will be sending financial assistance to the community.
“They are also working on getting a basic food supply for their community. The cost for these basic necessities is prohibitive at this time of unease,” the family member said.
Journalist Frida Ghitis told CNN: “The situation is serious and the risks are enormous. Crimea is the flashpoint. If Ukraine unravels, it will begin there, in the small peninsula that has played an outsize role throughout history. If Russia decides to launch a military intervention, its justification and its target will be the Crimea.”
The Shluchim requested to say Tehillim on behalf of their community. To donate in their time of need, click here
Gum z’ltov…so happy they are safe..we are dovening for all Yidden to be safe, wherever they are. Moshiach Revealed NOW!
We, the members of the community, ourselves asked the Rabbi and Rebbetzin to leave. They were in real danger here. We need them alive and well. Lena Raygorodskaya
мы,члены общины сами просили раввина и ребецин уехать,они были в реальной опасности здесь,они нам нужны живые и здоровые
When you have Jewish relatives in Ukraine , you don’t think about politics , you think about their lives ….
And most of all you see how history repeats itself now and nobody really cares about all the cituation ….
We need to act not to talk ….
To put some perspective here….
The lipszyc’ sought the advice of their mashpiim as well as eltere chassidim to see what their next move should be. They were advised to leave and offer to help anyone else who wanted to leave with them. before leaving THEY moved the Torahs to their home and arranged shul to take place there. They have not chas vshalom abandoned their community they are doing everything they can to help and deal with the situation from abroad. G-D willing things will calm down and they will return right away.
B”H
Rabbi & Mrs Lipszyc are safe! Now let us continue to pray for the rest of the yidden there and everywhere!!!
bh they got out but there are still many Yidden there. Lets daven for their safty
Am yisrael chai vikayam!
Listen
At least America isn’t focusing on Israel now
With this whole thing in Ukraine, Obama has other things to worry about
Hashem takes care of the bad people.
look what’s gonna happen soon
Putin is gonna invade Ukraine, and everyone won’t even remember about the peace treaty, and Israel giving MORE land to the Arabs!
Ha!
Hashem will never let anyone try to start up with Israel
Am Yisroel Chai!
Hope for the best for all local Jewish community that remains in Crimeria region .
Sevastopol is a strategic sea port and closed city that are the main point for the political buttles there …. All Crimeria region is Muslim majority ….
From sydney