Russian Strike Damages Historic Sites in Ukraine, Including Jewish Educational Institution
February 02, 2025
12:15 PM
Reading time: 5 minutes

On Friday, a Russian missile attack severely damaged several historic landmarks in Odesa, Ukraine, including the Bristol Hotel, a prominent architectural site, and a Jewish educational institution operated by Chabad. At least seven people were wounded in the attack, and significant destruction occurred in Odesa's city center, including damage to the Odesa Philharmonic Theater and several UNESCO-protected buildings.
The missile strike marks another escalation in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, with Odesa frequently targeted due to its strategic significance. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, emphasizing the cultural and humanitarian consequences, and underscoring the urgent need for better protection of civilian infrastructure.
Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov confirmed the widespread destruction, particularly in the UNESCO-protected area of the city.
A Jewish educational institution affiliated with Chabad, located near the Bristol Hotel, sustained significant structural damage. The institution, which serves as a university for Jewish students from across Ukraine, was forced to temporarily close. The administration announced that students would be sent on an extended break until repairs could be made or an alternative location was secured.
Rabbi Avraham Wolff, the Chief Rabbi of Odesa and Southern Ukraine, reassured families by emphasizing that all students were safe. “We are working tirelessly to restore normalcy as soon as possible,” Rabbi Wolff stated. He also highlighted the resilience of Odesa’s Jewish community, noting, “The Jewish community in Odesa has faced many challenges throughout history, and we have always emerged stronger. With God’s help, we will overcome this as well.”
This attack is part of a broader pattern of Russian missile strikes targeting Ukraine’s cultural and historical landmarks. UNESCO and other international preservation organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about the ongoing destruction of Ukraine’s heritage.
In a related store, at the end of January, Russian authorities arrested a man in Vladivostok for expressing support for Israel in its war against Hamas. The individual, whose name and image have not been publicly disclosed, was charged with inciting national or religious hatred after posting pro-Israel content on social media. The Leninsky District Court in Vladivostok sentenced the man to five days of administrative arrest, without a trial.
The court found the man guilty of inciting hatred, based on his social media posts which expressed support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza and insulted those who opposed these actions. According to a press release from the district court, the man's posts attracted attention from law enforcement, leading to his detention the following day.
In a video shared on Telegram on January 30, 2025, the suspect, whose identity was not revealed, admitted to his wrongdoing. The video showed him apologizing for his comments and warning other social media users about the consequences of posting content that violates Russian laws. His face was blurred, and his name was redacted to protect his identity.
This incident highlights the Russian government's tightening control over social media platforms and online expression. Authorities have been increasingly cracking down on users whose posts challenge official narratives or express views that may be considered controversial or subversive in the context of ongoing geopolitical conflicts.