New photographs released today show the extensive destruction caused by a fire that swept through the study hall and guest complex adjacent to the tziyun of the Baal HaTanya in Haditch, Ukraine.
The shliach overseeing the site stated that only open miracles prevented greater loss, and announced plans for an emergency fundraising campaign to rebuild, saying, "Bayis sheini will be greater than the first."
The images document the complete destruction of the central study hall and hospitality center that served the thousands of annual visitors to the tziyun.
Rav Shneur Zalman Deitch, the shliach and Rav of Haditch, provided additional details about the incident. He said it was miraculous that no one was injured. At the time of the fire, a group of guests from Kyiv was observing Shabbos at the site as part of a seminar. Before the flames reached the study hall, visitors rescued all four Sifrei Torah from the building.
Rav Deitch described receiving widespread support from around the world. "We are receiving hundreds of phone calls of encouragement and support from every corner of the world," He said. "In the coming days we will launch an emergency campaign to rebuild the terrible destruction and construct a new complex. It will take time, tremendous effort, and enormous financial resources, but b'ezras Hashem, 'Gadol yihiyeh kevod habayis hazeh'-the second house will be greater than the first."
Speaking after Shabbos, Rav Deitch reflected on the emotional impact. "We are in total shock. The entire central building at the tziyun, into which we poured our hearts, our souls, and our entire lives, has been consumed by fire. The damage is simply beyond comprehension - it is deeply painful. But chassidim are not deterred by anything, and certainly as the Rebbe's shliach and the one responsible for this holy place, I cannot give up."
Reb Meir Stambler, chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine, said authorities are investigating the fire's cause while the community mobilizes assistance. "We are awaiting the final results of the investigation and remain in close contact with the authorities. At the same time, we are preparing to provide replacement seforim and tashmishei kedushah, and we are confident that the Jewish community here and throughout the world will help restore the tremendous damage."