Shliach Shot in Russia Flown to Israel, Condition ‘Satisfactory’

Rabbi Ovadia Isakov, the Shliach who was seriously wounded when he was shot in the Russian city of Derbent, arrived in Israel and was admitted to the intensive care unit at the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva.

Dr. Iliv Kagan, a senior physician in the Rabin Medical Center’s emergency room, who brought Rabbi Isakov back to Israel, said that “His life is still in danger, but we’re optimistic.”

He added that “the local Russian hospital’s staff did all they could, considering the means at their hands, gave us very detailed information and helped us.”

ZAKA International organized the private plane which transported him to Israel. He was accompanied on the journey by Chief Officer of the International Units of ZAKA Mati Goldstein.

The incident took place in the region of Dagestan, which has a large Muslim population, prompting local police to look into the possibility that the rabbi was attacked for being Jewish.

Update: B”H Post-Surgery, Rabbi Isakov’s condition has been upgraded to ‘Satisfactory.’ Please continue to say Tehilim for Ovadia ben Zahava Chaya.