Heartbreak in Ukraine: Historic 200-Year-Old Synagogue Torched in Vicious Antisemitic Attack

Arson Targets Historic Jewish Center

The historic Kloyz Kaddisha Synagogue in Sadigura, Ukraine, which serves as a central spiritual home for the Sadigura Hasidic dynasty, was targeted and torched in a horrific antisemitic attack. The synagogue, active since the 18th century and designed by its founder, Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin, had recently undergone a painstaking, nine-year, multi-million dollar restoration, sponsored by the generosity of the Rohr family of NY.

The suspect, identified by locals as a former army officer and boxer, has been arrested and is currently being held in custody until trial. Initial police investigation suggests the motive was antisemitic, though authorities are also exploring whether the arsonist was acting under duress, particularly because he threw his phone into the flames in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Moshe Kreiz, a Jewish resident who lives nearby, confirmed the hateful nature of the crime. "The antisemitic arsonist tried to burn down our ancient and magnificent synagogue," he said. "He didn’t steal anything, he could easily have taken the charity box that was full of money, but just threw it down. He wasn’t interested in stealing, he only wanted to hurt us, the Jews in this place, and destroy our legacy. He came to carry out a pogrom, bringing out memories of Kristallnacht."

Extensive and Painful Damage

The resulting damage is catastrophic. The interior of the synagogue is fire-damaged, requiring the community to rebuild it internally from the ground up. The arsonist smashed windows, damaged the upper floors, and caused electric cabling to melt, leaving the building in a state of total disrepair, described by community members as "like a broken heart."

The delicate and expensive restoration work is ruined. Murals on the walls and ceilings, professionally restored by specialists, are destroyed, along with the custom-cast mouldings designed to replicate the synagogue's original splendor and glory. Additionally, the second floor and the guest house, which sheltered over 2,500 refugees during the war, also need to be entirely rebuilt.

This latest act of hatred against a Jewish holy place underscores the bitter reality that the world has learned nothing from the history of antisemitism, proving that such pure hatred only brings harm to innocent people who simply want a safe place to pray.

A Mournful Procession

In response to the tragedy, an emergency delegation of Hasidim, led by the Sadigura Rebbe, Rabbi Mordechai Shalom Yosef Friedman, arrived in Sadigura to witness the devastation firsthand. Rabbi Friedman, a direct descendant of the synagogue's founders and the leader who oversaw the recent renovation, led the community in a mournful ceremony.

They collected the burnt remnants and ashes of the holy books, stating, “These are scenes reminiscent of the Holocaust.” After hours of painstaking collection, a special prayer was led by the Rebbe. The mournful procession, followed by Jewish community members from Sadigura and the Chernivtsi province, proceeded on foot to the famous old cemetery where the tomb of the Holy Ruzhiner rests. In a deeply respectful Jewish custom, the damaged holy books were interred through burial.

Despite the painful setback, the community has publicly stated its resilience and determination to restore the historic building, hoping the synagogue “will be repaired and will continue to stand as a beacon of Torah, prayer, and Hasidic heritage.” The structure has a history of survival, having endured World War I and World War II, during which its roof flew a Red Cross flag, saving it from bombing. It was considered one of the most magnificent synagogues in Europe to remain standing after the Holocaust.