Following a ballistic missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday, the building of the ORT “Aleph” Jewish Gymnasium was significantly damaged.
Thankfully no students or staff were seriously injured during the attack. The school has been working online throughout the war and six people – including a pregnant teacher – were at the site at the time. She suffered shock and will require ongoing psychological support.
The structural damage was significant. The roof and heating system were penetrated by shrapnel, most of the windows were blown out by the blast wave, and the perimeter fence was also badly damaged.
The long-term structural future of the school building is currently unknown. Police and rescue services are continuing to assess the damage. The missile hit a neighbouring medical center which was almost completely destroyed. The number of people known to be killed in the attack stood at nine by Thursday evening local time, with five others still trapped under the rubble of the medical center.
School Principal Dolina Shalmina in a damaged classroom
Dolina Shalmina, school principal, said: “Straight after the explosion, all our teachers, students, and parents came to the school and started removing the rubble. They worked almost until night.
“During the night, the city emergency services welded the heating system and started boarding up the windows with wooden blocks. For now, all the windows are closed with boards. Almost all day there was no electricity, water or internet. In the evening, the electricity resumed. But despite all this horror, we plan to live, work, and continue to teach our children.”
Damage in a classroom following the blast
ORT Ukraine and World ORT’s focus is to ensure future educational provision for students of the school. It is hoped that online classes will be able to continue despite the ongoing attacks on the city.
The support of the ORT network is crucial. Since February 2022 we have together raised millions of dollars, already providing stability, continuity, and hope to students and families who desperately need it.
The stakes remain high, but with your help, we can ensure that our commitment to education — and to each and every student — is upheld.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for your generosity. Together, we will face these challenges, make a difference and continue to have an impact through education.
