Former French Prime Minister Visits Jewish Orphanage in Odesa

This past Sunday, a remarkable visit led by former French Prime Minister and current Chair of the France–Ukraine Friendship Group in the French Parliament, Gabriel Attal, took place at FJC’s “Mishpacha Ukraine” Jewish orphanage in Odesa. The delegation included a distinguished group of French lawmakers, Members of Parliament: Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, Chair of the European Affairs Committee; Tristan Lahaye; Thierry Sautereau; and Liliane Tanguy.

Deeply moved by the encounter, Attal expressed admiration for the 124 children who live, study, and grow within the warm and structured environment provided under the devoted leadership of Rabbi Avraham and Rebbetzin Chaya Wolff. “I had heard so much about this Jewish orphanage,” he remarked. “Many people told me: ‘If you visit Ukraine, you must come here.’ I thank G-d for the opportunity to be here today. I thought I was coming to uplift the children, but I leave uplifted myself—by their faith, their resilience, and their hope for the future. It is a true life lesson.”

Throughout the visit, the delegation was struck by the exceptional care provided to the children, even amid ongoing challenges. The parliamentarians emphasized the importance of supporting Jewish communities and praised the unique contribution of the “Mishpacha Ukraine” home as a place of love, stability, and support.

Rebbetzin Chaya Wolff, the orphanage’s director, warmly thanked the delegation for their visit, noting the profound encouragement it offered the children and staff alike. “Knowing that people beyond Ukraine’s borders are thinking of us and supporting us gives the children great strength to carry on,” she said.

The visit concluded on a heartening note, with the French delegation pledging to continue strengthening ties with the local Jewish community and to serve as faithful ambassadors of compassion, support, and friendship among nations.