On Saturday night, as the Passover holiday was concluding, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the synagogue in Kryvyi Rih. This comes just days after a vehicle belonging to the Kryvvi Jewish community was vandalized. Recent security measures installed at the synagogue, including reinforced glass, cameras and alarm systems, prevented the firebomb from causing major damage (and casualties). Additional steps are being discussed to ensure the continued safety of the community.
The first incident occurred at the beginning of last week, when the community vehicle bearing Jewish symbols had the tires slashed and symbols defaced, and paint was poured over the car: “This was a deliberate attempt to harm us as a Jewish community,” said Rabbi Liron Edri, Chief Rabbi of Kryvyi Rih.
The Molotov cocktail attack resembles a recent incident in Mykolaiv: “We fear this is part of a coordinated campaign targeting Jewish communities,” Rabbi Edri noted. Local police have opened an investigation, and the Ukrainian security forces promised to pursue all leads to apprehend those responsible.
Despite the threats, the Jewish community in Kryvyi Rih remains steadfast. “We will not let fear stop us,” said Rabbi Edri. “Light will drive out the darkness.”
Rabbi Edri expressed gratitude to the police and government for taking the incident seriously. “They arrived at the synagogue promptly, promised to investigate thoroughly, and committed to catching those responsible,” he said.
