A Hillel student in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv died a 'hero' yesterday as the city comes under sustained assault from Russian artillery.
We are heartbroken to share that Serafim, a student at Kharkiv Hillel, has been killed defending Ukraine. We are sharing our love and our prayers with Sefarim’s family and friends. He died a hero. 💙 May his memory always be a blessing and a comfort. pic.twitter.com/P3Sg7WP8KI
— Hillel (@HillelIntl) March 15, 2022
According to a statement released by Hillel international, Serafim Sabaranskiy died in combat with Russian forces defending Ukraine. They praised the student as a "hero" in the post of twitter.
Russian missile strikes Chabad yeshiva in Kharkiv: Chabad emissary in Ukraine: Despite shelling of our institutions, we will rebuild. https://t.co/K72Y1yi8p5 ArutzSheva pic.twitter.com/hqyT7SqOEX
— Jewish Community (@JComm_NewsFeeds) March 15, 2022
Elsewhere in the city, Chabad confirmed that their yeshiva had been hit by rocket fire. According to Arutz Sheva, Rabbi Moshe Moskovitz, who was based in the city said: "This is a building where hasidim prayed during the communist era, and there was a seminary for the Chabad rabbi, Rabbi Aharon Tumarkin.
"Despite the shelling of our institutions, the direct damage to the yeshiva, the damage to the synagogue windows, and the kindergarten, at the first opportunity we will build, renovate, and strengthen all the institutions, and expand all operations, more and more."
This is what is left of the Hillel in Kharkiv that I spent a summer volunteering at. Devastating and Infuriating. Sending so much love to our Ukrainian brothers & sisters!! #Ukraine #Jewish #HillelInternational pic.twitter.com/WE0eBaN6n3
— Rabbi Shmuly (@RavShmuly) March 2, 2022
According to JTA, the Hillel chapter in Kharkiv was planning to celebrate its 25th anniversary in February before the war began.
Earlier this week, Russian forces strengthened their assault on Kharkiv and according to local leaders, launched more than 60 strikes on the city in the course of 24 hours.
