By COLlive reporter
Photos by Odesa Regional Administration
Over the weekend, the historic Bristol Hotel in central Odessa was struck by a Russian missile attack. The nearby Jewish university also sustained significant structural damage.
Due to the severe damage, the university administration announced that students would be sent on break until renovation work is completed or an alternative facility is found.
The university serves over 100 students, including graduates of the “Mishpacha” orphanage in Odessa and alumni from Chabad’s “Or Avner” school network across Ukraine.
Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Chief Rabbi of Odessa and southern Ukraine, addressed concerned parents: “I want to reassure all parents—every student is safe and protected. We are working tirelessly to restore normalcy as soon as possible.”
He added, “The Jewish community of Odessa has faced many challenges throughout history and has always emerged stronger. With G-d’s help, we will overcome this crisis and resume studies soon.”
The Jewish University – Chabad of Odessa is a key educational institution for Ukraine’s Jewish community, serving as a second home for many students, especially those raised in the country’s Jewish educational system.
As of now, the leadership of JRNU—Chabad’s rescue organization in Ukraine—has not yet provided details on the extent of the damage or an estimated timeline for resuming classes.
