Antisemitic Mob Storms Dagestan Airport Searching for Jewish

Makhachkala, Dagestan – An antisemitic mob, chanting hateful slogans, stormed an airport in Dagestan’s capital, Makhachkala, searching for Jewish individuals arriving on a flight from Tel Aviv. The shocking incident, which occurred on Sunday, prompted Israel to call on Russia to protect all its citizens and Jews residing within its borders.

Disturbing video footage shared on social media showed the mob, some waving Palestinian flags, running through the airport terminal, with some individuals breaching security and surrounding aircraft on the runway. Reports indicate that the mob, numbering in the hundreds, shouted antisemitic slogans while others chanted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest). The situation escalated to the point where demonstrators demanded to see documents from individuals in cars outside the airport.

Russian authorities swiftly responded, with the aviation agency Rosaviatsia confirming that security forces had regained control. The airport was closed on Sunday night and is expected to reopen on Tuesday, with flights from Israel temporarily redirected to other cities.

Sixty alleged participants of the mob have been arrested, according to local sources, with 20 people, including police officers, reported injured. Some victims are in critical condition, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region in the North Caucasus, has a history of ethnic and religious diversity. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the estimated 300 – 400 Jewish families in Dagestan, whose future in the region now appears uncertain.

In response to the incident, Israel’s Prime Minister’s office urged Russia to take decisive action against incitement to violence against Jews and Israelis. The United States also condemned the antisemitic protests, emphasizing the global surge in antisemitism and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attributed the riots to “outside interference” without providing specific evidence. Meanwhile, Dagestan’s Governor Sergei Melikov denounced the mob invasion, describing it as a betrayal to Dagestani patriots, including those serving in the Russian armed forces.

This disturbing event has sparked international outrage and calls for unity against antisemitism. Israel and the United States, along with other concerned nations, are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for peace, tolerance, and the protection of all citizens regardless of their ethnicity or religious beliefs.