The Ark Synagogue has been in close touch with its twin congregations of Lviv and Lutsk, in Ukraine, following the Russian attacks on the cities this week.

Three people were killed in Lutsk and, on Wednesday, a mother and her three children were among seven people who died during a major assault in Lviv.

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, one of the Ark’s Senior Rabbis, has been reaching out to the Progressive communities there – finding they are safe and well, but very distressed.

Sasha Somish and her family (whose street is pictured) told him: “The explosion was close. We had two windows and a door between the rooms knocked out. All this can be fixed, but you cannot bring back the killed people. The best of the best die, children. Is this the world we all wanted? Thank you to everyone at The Ark for your concern and support.”

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein on a visit with The Ark Synagogue to Ukraine in May 2023

Throughout the war, the bond between The Ark Synagogue and its twin congregations has remained unshaken, exemplifying resilience and the enduring power of community.

Rabbi Aaron said: “I cannot tell you what a difference it makes when people know they are not forgotten. Since our twinning in 2017, the communities have shared annual visits, fostering deep connections and mutual support. We plan, if possible, to get there with a small group in November to show our continuing mission of solidarity.”

In the meantime, every Friday, Ark members join Lutsk’s Kabbalat Shabbat services via Zoom. And members of the Teyva Congregation in Lviv participate in the Ark’s services through a similar live stream, maintaining the close links and sense of unity despite the troubles and the distance.