Euroasian Jewish News

R. Belr Lazar with the Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia's chief rabbi hospitalized with coronavirus

Russia's Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar is hospitalized in Moscow after contracting COVID-19, Federation of Jewish Communities in the former Soviet Union (FJC) said in a post on Facebook.

Though hospitalized in Moscow Hospital for coronavirus, the 56-year-old Lazar is reportedly in good condition and is only showing mild symptoms, according to a statement from the rabbi's office.

"The Chief Rabbi's Office thanks the community for the prayers and concern," the statement explained, adding that Lazar is scheduled to be released in two days.

Lazar is not the only rabbi in the country to have been infected with the virus. Back in March, Itzkhak Kogan, rabbi of a synagogue in Moscow, was hospitalized after contracting COVID-19, Russia's TASS news agency reported.

Russia currently ranks third in the world in terms of coronavirus cases with nearly 470,000 confirmed cases, while its death toll is ranked 14th worldwide.

Lazar, considered by many to be a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been very outspoken in his support for social distancing measures and has worked to ensure a stemming of the outbreak in the country. This includes shutting down synagogues throughout Russia, Israel Hayom reported.

By AARON REICH

JPost