Odessa: The revival of the Jewish community in Odessa and the resilience of Ukrainian Odessa Jews amid ongoing Russian aggression

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Article from The Jerusalem Post September 8, 2024 tells the story of the rebirth of the Jewish community in Odessa and the resilience of Ukrainian Odessa Jews amidst the ongoing war. Despite the devastating events of recent years, this ancient community continues to function, bringing people together to pray and support each other.

Chief Rabbi Avraham Wolff of Odessa, who has not left the city since the full-scale invasion began, said: “Despite the war, it is a miracle that people continue to come to pray.” Although the number of worshipers has dwindled, the presence of people in the synagogue itself is perceived as a miracle, especially in comparison with other synagogues in Ukraine, where it is difficult to gather even two people.

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Isabel Nemirovsky, founder of the Friends of Odessa association, spoke about the rich history of Judaism in Odessa.

“The city was founded in 1794 by Catherine the Great (original, source – imperial Russian propaganda) , quickly became an important port and cultural center.”

In factthe first settlements on the territory of Odessa were founded around the 7th century BC – 3rd century AD by ancient Greek colonists. In the 13th century, this area was settled by the Nogai Horde, which after some time joined the Golden Horde. Around 1341, the coast was captured by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which founded the Kotsyubiyev fortress here. In the 15th century, it became part of the Ottoman Empire and was renamed Khadzhibey. In 1789, the fortress was captured by the Russian Empire, which renamed it Odessa and granted it city status.

Odessa also played a key role in the Zionist movement, with prominent figures such as Leon Pinsker and Vladimir Jabotinsky living here.

However, the war that began in 2022 had a profound impact on the Jewish community. According to Rabbi Wolf, “around 40% of the faithful left the city at the beginning of the war.” He also noted that the war forced many people to seek solace in religion and draw closer to God. The community now numbers around 25,000, a sign of its resilience in the face of adversity.

Odessa also became a refuge for Jewish refugees from all over Ukraine. Rabbi Wolff told of the impressive evacuation of orphans, women and children in the first days of the war. They managed to take about 400 people to Berlin, where a community was organized with a kindergarten, school, university and synagogue.

Despite financial difficulties, many of the evacuees later returned to Odessa. This underlines the strength of the community and its deep attachment to its city. Wolf, with his warm and serious approach, became a symbol of the resilience of the Jewish community of Odessa.

Since the war, there has been a growing interest in the Jewish religion. As Moel Aharon Kramen noted, “many are driven by the war to return to their religious roots.” This revival of faith underscores the community’s resilience, even in the face of severe historical repression, when religious practices were suppressed in the Soviet Union.

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Rabbi Wolf's assistant, Igor, explained that many Jews had previously abandoned their religion because of Soviet repression. But today, Wolf noted, “our Torah classes are overcrowded,” indicating a renewed interest in spiritual life.

Raissa, an active member of the community, expressed confidence in the future of Jewish life in Odessa despite the war. She noted that Odessa remains great and the community will continue to exist. However, she also expressed concern about possible manifestations of anti-Semitism after the end of the war, especially in the context of the Jewish origin of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Jerusalem Post article highlights the resilience of Odessa's Jewish community in the face of war and its deep connection to the city despite the hardships.

As a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, Odessa, including its Jewish sector, has been subjected to significant destruction. The city, which had long been an important cultural and commercial center, has become one of the targets of Russian aggression.

Destruction of the Beit Shaul synagogue:
- February 27, 2022: The Beit Shaul synagogue in Odessa was partially destroyed by a rocket attack. The rocket attack damaged the walls, stained glass windows and interior. The historic building was an important religious and cultural center for the city's Jewish community.
Destruction of the Jewish cultural center “Beit Chaya”:
- March 12, 2022: As a result of the airstrikes, the Jewish cultural center “Beit Haya”, which served as a cultural and educational center for the Jewish community, was damaged. The building was completely destroyed, causing significant damage to the cultural infrastructure of the community.
Damage to Jewish educational institutions:
- April 2022: The shelling damaged Jewish schools and educational institutions, including schools used for classes and social services, making it difficult for children and families to learn and receive assistance.
Destruction of Jewish monuments:
- June 2022: Jewish monuments and memorials in Odessa were damaged and partially destroyed, which caused harm to the historical memory and cultural heritage of the Jewish community.
Damage in the area of Jewish community houses:
- July 2022: The shelling resulted in the destruction of several communal houses where members of the Jewish community lived, resulting in loss of housing and significant damage to property.

These facts highlight the serious destruction and damage suffered by the Jewish community of Odessa as a result of military actions.

The Jewish community of Odessa, like the entire Ukrainian people, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage in the conditions of the war unleashed by Russia. Despite the horrific destruction and constant threats, the residents of Odessa, including the Jewish community, remain determined to resist aggression. Synagogues and other Jewish institutions in Odessa continue to function, becoming centers of support and hope for local residents. Although the scale of attendance is smaller than before the war, each meeting and each prayer service become symbols of resilience and fortitude, supporting the morale of the community.

Odessa, despite the destruction and constant threats, remains a symbol of defiance and hope for all of Ukraine. The Jewish community is actively involved in citywide initiatives to help victims, organize evacuations, and restore infrastructure. Together with other residents of Odessa and Ukraine, Jews continue to fight for their freedom and independence, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their roots and culture. This unity and resilience are a powerful testament to not only individual but also collective strength that helps society endure in the most difficult times.

History of the Jewish community of Odessa:

The Jewish community in Odessa has deep roots, dating back to the early 19th century, when the city was just beginning to develop. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Odessa became one of the largest centers of Jewish life in the Russian Empire. It was home to large Jewish communities, numerous synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions. The city was an important center for Jewish intellectual and cultural life, attracting such prominent figures as the writer Isaac Babel and the Zionist activist Leon Pinsker.

In the 20th century, Odessa's Jewish community experienced tragedies, including the pogroms of 1871 and 1881, as well as the Holocaust. During World War II, Odessa was one of the sites of mass extermination of Jews. In the post-war years, the Jewish community tried to rebuild, but the Soviet regime pursued a policy of suppression of religious and cultural life.

With the fall of the Soviet Union and the independence of Ukraine, the Jewish community of Odessa began to revive. In recent decades, the Jews of Odessa have been actively involved in preserving and reviving their culture and traditions, despite new challenges, including the current conflict.

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