By COLlive reporter
Katrin Göring-Eckardt, a member of the German Bundestag, was forced to rush to a shelter together with Jewish children during an air raid siren in Odessa, Ukraine, while visiting the “Mishpacha” Jewish orphanage.
The dramatic moment highlighted the harsh reality of daily life under war for the 124 children who live there.
Göring-Eckardt, a member of the German Green Party, first met the children three years ago, after they fled Ukraine in a daring rescue operation led by Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Shliach and Chief Rabbi of the city, who founded the orphanage.
In Berlin, she welcomed them as refugees; this week, she was warmly received by the children and staff in their home city.
During the visit, she recognized familiar faces from her earlier encounter, spoke with the children about the upcoming school year, and offered them encouragement.
The sudden air raid cut the meeting short, leaving a strong impression on the parliamentarian. “The experience in the shelter showed me the reality these children live with every day,” Göring-Eckardt said, adding that “their resilience is a true source of inspiration.” She expressed hope for peace and prosperity in Ukraine.
Rabbi Wolff noted that the visit itself carried symbolic meaning. “The children she once met as refugees in Berlin are now hosting her in their home. This is a testament to our community’s strength,” he said.
Against the backdrop of renewed international efforts, including U.S. pressure to end the war, Göring-Eckardt called for continued global support to restore security in Ukraine.
