A major fire broke out over Shabbat at the compound near the grave of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Orthodox Hasidic Jewish movement of Chabad and known as the “Baal HaTanya,” in the town of Haditch, Ukraine. The blaze caused millions of dollars in damage to the compound, including the complete destruction of the central synagogue, but miraculously resulted in no injuries.
According to footage from the scene, the central synagogue was completely destroyed. Local fire and rescue teams rushed to the site when the fire broke out and worked for hours trying to control the flames. The fire also spread to the study hall and the main hospitality complex operated by the town’s Chabad emissary, Rabbi Shneur Deutsch. Ukrainian police have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Investigators are examining several possibilities, including an electrical short circuit in the building’s electrical systems, or damage from a missile or drone strike as part of the Russia-Ukraine war. The Baal HaTanya’s gravesite compound is Ukraine’s second-largest Jewish prayer site, hosting thousands of worshippers, guests, and refugees from across Ukraine and around the world throughout the year.
The site operates an extensive hospitality operation, providing meals, lodging, and religious services to those who come to pray at the grave. Community leaders and Rabbi Deutsch have begun an initial damage assessment and are planning to rebuild the structures in order to restore the hospitality and study hall operations as soon as possible.