Russian Chief Military Rabbi Aaron Gurevich flew to Dagestan on behalf of the Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar, where an attack on Rabbi Ovadia (Arthur) Isakov took place last night. During the attack Isakov received several gunshot wounds. Gurevich, who at this moment is travelling from Makhachkala to Derbent, to the hospital where the injured rabbi is, talked to Vestnik Kavkaza about the incident.
Gurevich said that Israeli medical specialists have arrived in Dagestan and will determine whether it is possible to transport Isakov to Israel. "He is an Israeli citizen, he very recently obtained citizenship," the rabbi explained.
"Now it all depends on what the doctors decide, and the state of the victim. He has three major injuries to vital body parts, including the liver, so everything is very difficult," Gurevich said.
The rabbi drew attention to the fact that the situation in the inter-religious dialogue has changed dramatically with this event. "Previously, extremism and its violent manifestations concerned, first and foremost, the Muslim clergy. 12 attacks have been committed since the beginning of the year, they were directed only against the Muslim clergy, not the Orthodox or Jewish. Today, we see firsthand that it affects us too," the rabbi said, adding that this is a cause for concern.
"Even more disturbing is the fact that, until now, our appeal to the public authorities to strengthen security measures for religious figures and leaders have not been heard in due measure," Aaron Gurevich said.
