Jewish Relief Network Ukraine

Wednesday night, hundreds of missiles and drones shook Kyiv for 12 straight hours. By morning 20 people had been killed and more than 80 injured.

Jewish families returning from a week in the mountains ran directly to the shelters:

"The whole city shook violently, the explosions did not stop for a moment and it was simply impossible to close an eye," recalled Rabbi Simcha Levenharts.

The overnight strikes by drones and missiles were some of the most intense of the last few months, and explosions shook the city over and over.

The tension in the streets was palatable, resulting in part from the government’s precautionary decision to close all gas stations throughout the capital. Crowds of city residents fled their homes in the dead of night to take shelter deep in the subway stations.

Members of the Kyiv Jewish community were returning from nine days of quiet in the Carpathian Mountains where they participated in a JRNU camp and enjoyed a respite from the trauma of war. Sadly, parents and kids returned to one of the most severe attacks the city has experienced. Dozens of people were forced to spend the night huddled in the underground shelter at the community center.

In the morning, hundreds of people arrived to take part in the morning prayer for the fast of Tammuz, exhausted but determined. At the same time, our humanitarian aid efforts were in full swing. In addition to the normal routine of preparing hot meals in the soup kitchens and distributing food packages, staff and volunteers went door to door checking on people, particularly the elderly, the sick, and others who need assistance. Meals and other essentials were delivered to those who are unable to leave their home, or are too afraid to venture out, uncertain when the attacks might resume.

Together we save lives and restore hope.

At least four people have been killed and more than 34 wounded in an overnight attack on Kyiv. A prominent Ukrainian religious complex was set on fire by some of the 611 long-range strike UAVs and 70 missiles that were unleashed on the capital city. Founded in the 11th century, the historic facility serves as a major spiritual and cultural center for many Ukrainians. Flames could be seen billowing from the building that traces its roots back almost 1,000 years. The National Cultural, Art and Museum Complex was also set ablaze.

The same missile strike destroyed the largest automated sorting terminal in Kyiv belonging to Nova Poshta, Ukraine's largest private postal and courier company (equivalent to FedEx or UPS). The terminal was the company’s most technologically advanced facility that operated around the clock, processing up to 50,000 parcels per hour. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the attack, and the company was able to activate backup operating plans to maintain scheduled deliveries.

The missiles and drones hit several residential buildings as well, leaving at least 23 people wounded; about 140,000 households in the northern part of Kyiv are without electricity.

Other parts of the country also suffered attacks over the weekend, leaving at least five people dead in Kharkiv and another five people wounded. Three people, including a child, were wounded in Sumy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine who continue to suffer--physically and emotionally. Our staff and volunteers are providing assistance to those in need. Together we save lives and restore hope.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah boys and girls from across Ukraine gathered for a four-day retreat in the Carpathian Mountains, marking the conclusion of a year-long program organized by EnerJew, a Jewish youth movement in Ukraine. The seminar brought together 110 young graduates of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah course for a weekend of learning, friendship, celebration, and personal growth.

The retreat began on Thursday morning with the recognition that Misha, a student from Kyiv’s Simcha Jewish school, was celebrating his 13th Hebrew birthday on that very day. His personal milestone added special meaning to the weekend and particularly the gala which included a festive meal and live music. Participants watched video blessings from rabbis of their home communities where the preparation programs had taken place. Each child also received a personal surprise video message from parents or loved ones, filled with warmth, connection, and emotions.

Read more: www.jrnu.org/news/jewish-ukrainian-teens-celebrate-bar-and-bat-mitzvah-milestone-at-retreat