An unknown individual threw a Molotov cocktail at the central shul in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday. The suspect fled the scene quickly but was captured on surveillance cameras, which are now under review.
No injuries were reported in the antisemitic incident, but damage was caused to the shul’s door. The event occurred during Chanukah, as the local Jewish community held celebrations for the city’s Jews throughout the week.
The shul’s guard responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire caused by the Molotov cocktail in a short time.
After putting out the fire, he promptly contacted the local police. Local security forces and secret police arrived at the scene shortly thereafter.
“Late last night, just before midnight, an unknown individual approached the synagogue’s door,” recounted Rabbi Sholom Gottlieb, the city’s rabbi and Chabad Shliach. “He looked around to make sure no one was passing by and then threw the Molotov cocktail.”
Rabbi Gottlieb reported the incident to the Jewish Relief Network Ukraine (JRNU) and filed an official complaint with the police. “I have not yet received confirmation that the suspect has been caught, but I was informed that a manhunt is underway.”
Rabbi Gottlieb also noted, “Especially during Chanukah, we are witnessing a sharp increase in antisemitism on social media, including antisemitic expressions and similar activities. While this has not manifested on the streets, we are taking everything into account and exercising heightened caution.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s police are providing 24/7 security for public menorahs in the city due to concerns over antisemitism. This precaution follows previous incidents, including in recent years, where public menorahs were repeatedly vandalized by unidentified antisemites in several Ukrainian cities.
“Despite the war, we have received approval to light the public menorahs and have been granted round-the-clock security,” said Rabbi Simcha Levenharts, a Chabad Shliach in Kyiv. “The police asked us for the locations of the public menorahs and assured us they would secure them around the clock.”
“This is truly encouraging,” he added. “It is inspiring to see the dedication and care of the police, which allows the Jewish community to celebrate Hanukkah safely, even during wartime. Every evening, we host central menorah lightings led by my father, Rabbi Mordechai Levenharts. On the fifth night, we held a major event with over three hundred Jews in attendance.”
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