Dnipro Community Gathers as Russian Attacks Continue

By COLlive reporter

The Russian military completely destroyed the Dnipro airport in central Ukraine and injured five people in a bombing in the Luhansk and Dnipro regions, Reuters reported.

But even as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, members of the Jewish community in Dnipro gathered to keep their spirits high and pray for a better future.

The Golden Rose Synagogue on Sholom Aleichem Street hosted a large event to celebrate the 120th birthday of the Rebbe, spiritual leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.

The Rebbe was raised in Dnipro, where his revered father Harav Levi Yitzchok Schneerson OBM served as the chief rabbi during the Communist regime. Locals often highlight that fact with great pride.

Participants watched a video of the Rebbe recalling some details of his youth in the city and how his fearless father risked his life to ensure that local Jews have Shmura Matzah for the Pesach Seder.

Words of faith and strength were shared by the current chief rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky, as well as Chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine Rabbi Meir Stambler, secretary of the local Beis Din Rabbi Itzchok Karshrnbaum, Rabbi Sholom Nachshon, a teacher at the Yeshiva Ketana, and Rabbi Zelig Brez, Director of the Jewish community.

Despite worrying about the constant shelling on the region, people present were focused on finding inspiration. They heard uplifting words, enjoyed a lavish buffet and had a chance to take home valuable books such as Tehillim, Igros Kodesh and Towards a Meaningful Life.

The community has been at the forefront of assisting refugees from other areas, providing them with food, shelter and medical care. This is in addition to assisting those in need from the community.

“By doing so much good we will merit the ultimate redemption and the war and evil will cease to be,” one of the local Shluchim told COLlive.com.

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