Russian drone strikes Jewish school in Kyiv; Heavy damage reported

A Jewish school in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv sustained a direct hit from a Russian drone Tuesday night. The strike on the Perlina school, part of the Or Avner Chabad network, which occurred just hours before the school day was set to begin, caused significant structural damage. Several injuries were reported in a nearby building.

The school’s reinforced windows, equipped with protective film, prevented further harm to the interior of the structure. Nonetheless, classrooms, the school shuttle and the student lounge suffered extensive damage.

A neighborhood gas station, located only 50 meters away, was left untouched by the attack.

Rabbi Yonatan Markovitch, Kyiv’s chief rabbi, and his wife, Rebbetzin Elka Ina Markovitch, arrived at the scene accompanied by police representatives and officials to assess the damage and plan for the continuation of classes.

“We experienced a tremendous miracle that students were not in the building at the time of the explosion. The light of Torah and Jewish education in Kyiv will not be dimmed,” said Rabbi Markovitch. “Just as the school has remained operational throughout the war, so too will we continue to nurture our children’s souls, even in these challenging times.”

The Chabad network in Ukraine, JRNU, is currently conducting a comprehensive damage assessment on site. The Perlina school has been operating continuously since the onset of the war, serving as a crucial anchor for the Jewish community in the city.

Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, spoke with Rabbi Markovitch following the event. “We are strengthening the hand of the Ukrainian Jewish community and will assist in the restoration of the school building,” said the ambassador.

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