Mob Storms Dagestan airport in Russia in Search of Jews and Israeli Citizens

A disturbing incident unfolded in Dagestan, Russia, as an angry mob descended on an airport in pursuit of Jews who were believed to have arrived on a flight from Nagorno-Karabakh. Dagestan, primarily a Muslim-majority region, is home to a Jewish minority community.

Russian reports suggest that no Jews or Israelis were on the plane that landed from Israel. However, an Israeli security source has confirmed that a number of Jews and Israelis are being safeguarded in an isolated compound on the premises, awaiting transportation to Moscow when the situation allows.

Mob Violence and Anti-Semitic Sentiments

A group of assailants, some brandishing the Palestinian flag and chanting "Allahu Akbar," infiltrated the airport and began searching for individuals of Jewish descent. The attackers also roamed outside the airport, targeting vehicles in their quest to identify Jews.

Local law enforcement forces responded to the scene, but they too faced aggression from the crowd of Hamas supporters. The Israeli government expressed its grave concern about attempts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews, urging Russian authorities to take decisive action against the perpetrators and to quell the incitement directed at Jews and Israelis.

Israel's ambassador to Russia, Alex Ben-Zvi, is working closely with Russian authorities to ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews in the region.

International Responses

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, responded to the incident, characterizing it as a manifestation of Russia's culture of hatred and anti-Semitism. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat such actions.

Ksenia Svetlova, a Russia expert, highlighted the presence of anti-Semitic rumors and disinformation in Dagestan in recent days. These included claims that Jewish refugees were poised to settle in the region and take over land, which were debunked as false. She pointed out that a call to riot on the plane had circulated on Telegram channels in the lead-up to the incident.

The Conference of European Rabbis expressed concern about reports of potential pogroms against Jews in Dagestan's cities and called upon President Putin to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in his country.

Ongoing Tensions

This incident is not isolated and follows other similar episodes in the area. Recently, rumors led residents to gather at a district hotel, believing that Jews were staying there.

Russia's stance on the recent Hamas attack on Israel has raised questions. While Russia did not openly condemn the attack, it also refrained from making direct statements against Jerusalem. Instead, the Russian Foreign Ministry called on both sides to avoid violence and exercise restraint, warning of a dangerous escalation.

Russian Interests in the Middle East Conflict

Russian experts speaking to CNBC have suggested that Moscow may stand to gain from the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. With the world's attention focused on the Middle East, they argue that Russia could use the situation to spread disinformation about Ukraine and attempt to divide Kiev's allies.

The situation in Dagestan remains a cause for concern, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in this tense region.