Chabad Rabbi Shot in Dagestan

Ovadia Isakov, the 40-year-old chief rabbi of Derbent, a city in the Russian territory of Dagestan, was shot near his home late Wednesday evening. According to Chabad.org, “Initial reports indicated that Isakov was returning from performing ritual slaughter for kosher meat when the gunman opened fire on him as he stepped from his car near his home. Local officials were investigating conflicting reports that either one or three assailants were involved in the attack.”

Salon reports that a Jewish community leader said Isakov was in “good condition” following surgery. The identity of the assailant, as well as motive of the attack, is not yet known.

We’ll update you as we learn more.