Bar Mitzvah in Israel Three Years After Evacuation from Ukrainian Zhitomir from Russian Bombs: The Fate of Jewish Children from Ukraine

Three boys from the Jewish orphanage “Alumim” in Zhytomyr and two of their friends celebrated their bar mitzvah in Ashkelon three years after fleeing from Putin’s aggression. Israel became their new home — they speak Hebrew, study in Chabad schools, and dream about the future despite the trauma of the past.

This story is a symbol of the strong connection between the Jewish people of Ukraine and Israel, and proof of a true miracle made possible thanks to love, faith, and the support of the entire community.

Under bombs — into the future: children of the “Alumim” orphanage celebrate bar mitzvah in Israel

On June 26, 2025, the Israeli portal ynet reported on an emotional event: a bar mitzvah for five teenagers, three of whom are alumni of the Jewish orphanage “Alumim” in Zhytomyr, held in Ashkelon. This was not just a religious ritual. It was an act of return, maturity, recognition, and reunion with Jewish destiny.

Three years ago, these children, like thousands of other Jews in Ukraine, woke up to the sounds of explosions. Since then, their path has been full of pain — but also care, friendship, faith, and new hope in Israel.

“Alumim” Orphanage: an island of love and light

The “Alumim” orphanage, founded in 2006 in the village of Zarechany, became the heart of Jewish life in Western Ukraine. It was established by Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm with support from the Or Avner Foundation and the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.

• Education based on Jewish traditions and Hebrew
• Children from 2 to 18 years old, including orphans and children from disadvantaged families
• Schooling, sports, psychological care, and a warm family atmosphere

“It was not just a structure. It was a real home,” staff members recall.

Before the war began in 2022, “Alumim” was a symbol of Jewish care and a “family home” for dozens of children. After the invasion, the building emptied — but its spirit moved to Israel.

Zhytomyr — cradle of Jewish culture

Zhytomyr is a historic center of Jewish life in Ukraine. It had schools, printing houses, yeshivot, and underground Chabad cheders in the 20th century that survived repression. Before the war, Jews made up one-third of the city’s population — over 30,000 people.

The “Alumim” orphanage became the center of Jewish childhood in the region. Living conditions, care, and religious atmosphere made it a unique place. After the war began, educators were left with 80 children and enormous responsibility — and the idea of evacuation was born.

Putin’s aggression destroys childhood

On February 24, 2022, Putin’s army launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zhytomyr came under attack, and the orphanage was in danger. Bombs fell near the home where 80 children lived.

“We woke up to deafening noise. Outside — smoke and sirens. 80 children panicked. Educators had to hide their fear while bombs kept falling,” — recalls Malka Buket.

Escape under fire

The decision to evacuate the children came quickly. First — to Chernivtsi, then — to Israel. The border was crossed on foot, without documents, with small children carried in arms. It was a heroic evacuation.

KKL-JNF and Keren LeYedidut carried out an emergency evacuation of about 100 children aged 2 to 18.

Nes Harim: first Jewish refuge

Upon arrival in Israel, children were placed in the Nes Harim center in the Jerusalem Forest. Volunteers provided clothing, toys, psychological support, and Hebrew classes. They celebrated holidays and slowly adapted to their new life.

Ashkelon: new life and bar mitzvah

In 2025, the children moved to Ashkelon. On June 26, five teenagers, three of them from “Alumim,” celebrated their bar mitzvah. The event was organized by Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm. Rabbis, local leaders, and Minister Yaakov Margi attended.

“Each child has their own story and pain. But to see them happy, confident, and speaking Hebrew — it’s a miracle,” said Rabbi Wilhelm.

“Just as Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai, so our children receive it here in Ashkelon — with love and light,” said Rabbi Mendel Lieberman.

Table: journey from war to bar mitzvah

NAnews — Israel News

NAnews emphasizes: the story of the “Alumim” children is not just a humanitarian case. It is proof of the strength of the Jewish community, the bond between Ukrainian and Israeli Jews, and the ability to overcome even war.

While Putin’s army drops bombs on children’s heads, Israel extends a helping hand. The bar mitzvah in Ashkelon is not the end — it’s just the beginning. These children now have a home. A community. A future.