Drone strike hits near Jewish community centre in Ukraine as elderly forced to shelter
More than 100 elderly people take cover as blast damages key hub of Jewish life near frontline
A drone strike landed just metres from a Jewish community centre in Ukraine, forcing more than 100 elderly people to take shelter during a day of activities.
The blast struck a building directly next to the centre in the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia, where members of the community had gathered for support services and social programmes.
Those inside were rushed into basements and reinforced concrete areas as the explosion hit nearby, with witnesses describing scenes of fear and shock.
No injuries were reported, but the impact caused significant damage to the centre, including shattered windows, broken frames and structural damage to outer walls.
Rabbi Nachum Ehrentreu, Chief Rabbi of Zaporizhzhia, said the close call had left the community deeply shaken.
“That no one was injured is miraculous, but people are truly shaken by how close this came to tragedy. This was a direct reminder that nowhere feels truly safe, even in the spaces we rely on most for protection and community.”
The centre is a central hub for Jewish life in the city, providing vital services including elderly care, disability support, humanitarian aid and a kindergarten. It is supported by World Jewish Relief alongside local organisation Hesed Michael.
Inessa Nosenko, director of the Jewish Community Centre, said efforts were already underway to restore the building and maintain services.
“It was a very frightening moment for everyone. The building we rely on every day to support our community has been damaged, but we are already working to understand how quickly we can restore the space and continue our activities. Even now, people are turning to us for warmth, connection and stability. We are determined to remain there for them.”
Zaporizhzhia remains close to the frontline and continues to face regular bombardment, with civilians frequently exposed to the risks of ongoing attacks.
Paul Anticoni OBE, chief executive of World Jewish Relief, said the incident underscored the importance of continued support.
“The Jewish Community Centre, founded by our Life Vice President Nigel and Lynne Ross in 2004, is a critical part of the Jewish community and beyond in Zaporizhzhia. This attack highlights once more the trauma Ukrainians face on a daily basis and the essential reason for World Jewish Relief continuing to prioritise its assistance here.”
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