Kharkiv Mayor Gennady Kernes, a Jew, has been shot and is reported in critical condition. Kharkiv is an eastern Ukrainian city. According to local media reports from there, unidentified gunmen shot him in the back.

Arutz Sheva reports Kharkiv Chief Rabbi Moshe Moskowitz stated the mayor was undergoing emergency surgery, adding it appears the gunmen struck while he was jogging, striking him in the back a number of time.

Arutz Sheva quotes Rabbi Moskowitz describing the mayor as a “very dear Jew, with a warm and loving connection to the community…”

Kernes has been serving as mayor since 2010 and remained an open supporter of President Viktor Yanukovich until he was ousted a number of months ago.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)