Images of incidents hostile to Israel in the Russian Caucasus, October 2023
In a series of disturbing incidents tinged with anti-Semitism, several regions of the Russian Caucasus were the scene of hostile events against Israel on October 28 and 29. These incidents, although closely linked to Israeli-Palestinian news, also highlighted the specificities of this region.
One of the most notable moments of these events took place at the airport of Makhachkala, the capital of the Republic of Dagestan. Hundreds of people gathered for several hours at the airport, looking for “Israelis” or “Jews”, after learning that a Red Wings Airlines plane from Tel Aviv was about to depart. ‘to land. Videos posted on social media show groups of men rushing through the airport, forcing open doors and invading the tarmac. Some were masked and Palestinian flags were visible. Chants of “Allah Akbar” could also be heard.
Passengers on several flights were forced to stay on board their planes for several hours, fearing being attacked by crowds. The captain had to reassure the passengers by asking them not to get off the plane and to stay in their seats.
These incidents were not limited to Makhachkala. In the town of Khasavyurt, also in Dagestan, a crowd gathered outside a hotel to ensure no Israelis were there. Other rallies took place in front of the kyiv Hotel in the same city. In Cherkessk, the capital of the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic, a rally in support of Palestine also gave rise to calls for “the expulsion of the Jews”.
The next day, October 29, a Jewish cultural center under construction in Nalchik, capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, was set on fire. On the building, one could read the inscription “death to the Jews” in Russian.
It is important to note that these incidents are mainly linked to Israeli-Palestinian news, but it is also crucial to understand the specifics of the Russian Caucasus region. Anna Colin Lebedev, a specialist in post-Soviet societies and lecturer at Paris Nanterre University, believes that the initial intention of these hostile acts was not to target local Jews. However, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of such incidents on the region’s Jewish community.
These events remind us of the importance of combating anti-Semitism and promoting understanding and mutual respect between different communities. It is essential that the authorities take appropriate measures to guarantee the safety and protection of all individuals, regardless of their ethnic or religious origin.. Dialogue and education remain essential tools to fight hatred and build a more tolerant and inclusive society.