A massive fire erupted near midnight at the complex surrounding the gravesite of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi in Haditch, Ukraine, destroying the main synagogue and damaging the hospitality center and kitchen. Torah scrolls were rescued by guests and workers before the flames spread further. No injuries were reported. Ukrainian police are investigating possible causes, including an electrical short or wartime conditions, but no deliberate attack has been confirmed.
In the latest development of the fire at the Chabad pilgrimage complex in Haditch, Ukraine, Torah scrolls were rescued by guests and workers before the flames spread further, as The Zioneer reported at 01:51 Sunday. The fire, which broke out near midnight Saturday, has now been confirmed to have destroyed the main synagogue and caused significant damage to the hospitality center and kitchen. Damage is estimated in the millions of dollars. No injuries were reported.
The fire was first reported at 21:45 Saturday, with initial reports (The Zioneer, citing local sources) stating heavy damage to the study hall and guest house at the tomb of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Within minutes, the story evolved: a second version confirmed no casualties, a third reported that the synagogue itself had caught fire, a fourth specified the main building was destroyed with millions in damage, and a fifth pointed to an electrical short as the suspected cause. By 01:51 Sunday, The Zioneer had confirmed the synagogue's destruction. The new details at 01:54 add the rescue of Torah scrolls and damage to the hospitality center and kitchen.
The complex in Haditch is a major Chabad pilgrimage site, housing the gravesite of the movement's founder. Ukrainian police are investigating the cause, examining both an electrical short and potential wartime conditions, but no deliberate attack has been confirmed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The extent of damage to the hospitality center and kitchen, and the full list of rescued items, have not yet been detailed.
6 developments
Source and signal
- Open-source intake