A massive fire broke out late Friday night shortly before midnight at the gravesite of Rabbi Shneior Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad-Lubavitch and author of the Tanya, located in Haditch, Ukraine. The blaze caused catastrophic damage to the site, with losses estimated in the millions of dollars. The central building was virtually destroyed, though several Torah scrolls were rescued by guests and local staff. The kitchen and hospitality facilities also sustained significant damage. Authorities are investigating the cause, with an electrical short circuit considered a possibility. No injuries were reported, and Rabbi Shneur Deutsch, the Chabad emissary in Haditch, and his family are safe.
The site attracts thousands of annual visitors despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Before the conflict, tens of thousands of pilgrims visited yearly, with the largest numbers arriving on the Alter Rebbe's yahrzeit, the 24th of Tevet. Worshippers continue to travel there, including local Ukrainian Jews, established communities, and visitors from Israel, Europe, and the United States, some traveling up to 15 hours by car after landing in Chișinău, Moldova.
The Haditch Jewish community was annihilated during the Holocaust, and Communist rule severely restricted site access. Between 1987 and 1990, at the direction of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, emissaries including Rabbi David Nachshon began restoring these sacred locations. Construction of the current complex began nearly 20 years ago, with the main building completed in 2013 for the 200th anniversary of the Alter Rebbe's passing. The complex includes a synagogue, mikvah, guest rooms, kitchen, dining halls, and other facilities, several damaged in the fire.
Rabbi Deutsch stated: "We are in complete shock. The entire central building of the holy site, into which we poured our heart, soul, and our entire lives, has been reduced to ashes. The damage is simply beyond comprehension - it is deeply painful. But Chassidim are never deterred by challenges, and certainly not as the Rebbe's emissary responsible for this sacred place. With G-d's help, we will find the strength to rebuild everything. It will take time and significant resources, but we will restore it - and make it even greater and more beautiful than before."
Rabbi Mayer Stambler said: "The Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine is awaiting the final findings of the investigation and remains in close contact with the authorities. We are preparing to provide replacement Torah books, sacred texts, and ritual items, and we are confident that the Jewish community in Ukraine and around the world will help restore the extensive damage."