Israeli Teen Killed in Russian Drone Strike on Kyiv

A 14-year-old boy with Israeli citizenship was killed Friday morning when a drone struck an apartment building in central Kyiv, Ukraine, as part of a Russian attack on the capital. The strike, believed to be from a drone, hit the family's home in the Petcherskyi district around 8 a.m. The boy's mother was injured and taken for medical treatment.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its consulate in Kyiv and the department for Israelis in distress abroad are handling the case, maintaining contact with the family and providing assistance. The family had previously immigrated to Israel but returned to Ukraine about 20 years ago.

Israel's consul in Kyiv, the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine (FJCU), and Chabad emissaries are involved in addressing the situation. The FJCU condemned the Russian attacks, noting the daily casualties and the ongoing challenges for communities during the war, especially during the holiday season. They expressed prayers for peace.

The attack on Kyiv occurs amid a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Recent reports have also mentioned the detention of Breslov Hasidim at border crossings while returning from Uman after Rosh Hashanah, and a severe food shortage among Jewish communities due to the security escalation and market closures.