Many Jews leave Odessa: "A tragedy for the whole of Ukraine"

Before World War II, the port city of Odessa had a large Jewish population.

Russia's invasion has put the Jewish community that was built up in the decades after World War II now in danger of being destroyed.

So far during the war, Odessa has not been subjected to any major attacks from Russia - but many residents have still fled the city.

Tens of thousands of residents with a Jewish background have so far fled.

- As a Jewish leader, I experience it as a tragedy for all Jews, not only in Odessa, but in the whole of Ukraine, says Avraham Wolff, chief rabbi of Odessa. 

Hear Avraham Wolff in the clip above about Odessa's Jewish history and the future of the city.