By COLlive reporter
The new school year opened on Monday morning for thousands of Jewish students across Ukraine under the shadow of ongoing war, American pressure on peace talks, and relentless missile strikes.
At the Ohr Avner Chabad school in the nuclear city of Zaporizhzhia, parents and children gathered for the traditional “First Bell” ceremony. In the midst of the festive event, air raid sirens suddenly blared, forcing the entire school community to calmly evacuate to the shelter under the instructions of local security staff. The school, directed by Rabbi Nachum and Dina Ehrentroy, serves students of all ages.
In Ukraine, the “First Bell” is usually a joyful start to the academic year. This time it came with anxiety and disruption. “The situation is unbearable, but we will do everything for the children’s education,” one teacher said.
With the economy still reeling, first graders across the country received new backpacks through a communal distribution. In Kyiv, families were shaken just days ago by a massive overnight missile barrage that left dozens wounded. “Explosions went on all night long,” one resident told COLlive. “Cruise missiles, drones, ballistic rockets – the full arsenal.”
To ensure readiness, Chabad’s Ohr Avner network refreshed safety protocols for staff and students in case of attacks during school hours.
Meanwhile, preparations for the Jewish New Year are underway. Under the supervision of Rabbi Pinchas Vishedski’s kashrus authority, kosher honey production has begun in the Kyiv area, alongside the slaughter of poultry and meat for the High Holidays.
In the coming days, trucks operated by JRNU – Chabad’s humanitarian arm in Ukraine – will distribute tens of thousands of holiday packages to Jewish communities nationwide. Each package includes fresh honey, a honey cake, a city-specific calendar, a candle-lighting magnet, and Jewish educational materials in Ukrainian. Staple food items such as canned goods will also be distributed with dignity through community centers.
“The honey symbolizes a sweet year,” said Rabbi Simcha Levenhartz, a Chabad Shliach in Kyiv. “Here, amid endless war, its meaning is doubled. We pray that the words of peace will become a reality of calm and serenity.”
Despite more than three years of hardship, Jewish life continues to grow. Many who were previously disconnected have found a home in the Chabad communities. “The Jewish institutions are the anchor for everyone living here,” Rabbi Levenhartz said. “Even in these trying times, our communities are expanding.”
