The Middle East conflict is causing great tension in the predominantly Muslim Russian province of Dagestan. This Sunday, dozens of pro-Palestinian activists stormed the tarmac and terminal of Makhachkala airport after the arrival of a plane from Tel Aviv was announced, Le Parisien reports. According to the independent Russian media Sota, this hostile crowd was looking for Israeli citizens.
Several videos of the event were widely shared on social media and showed several of these men breaking down doors and barriers inside the terminal or attempting to control cars leaving the airport. One of these protesters in particular held up a sign that read: “Child murderers have no place in Dagestan.” »
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Israel calls on Russia to protect Jews
According to the Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia, the airport was quickly closed and flights to Makhachkala were diverted to other airfields. “Since 10:20 p.m., thanks to the work of law enforcement, the airfield has been cleared of citizens who trespassed,” the agency said, indicating that the airport would remain closed until November 6. In the middle of the evening, the Dagestan government assured on Telegram that the situation was “under control.”
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Israel reiterated that it “views with seriousness attempts to attack Israeli citizens and Jews around the world.” As a result, the Jewish state called on Russia to “protect” its citizens and, more generally, “all Jews.” “Israel is waiting for the Russian authorities […] that they take decisive action against the rioters and against incitement to violence against Jews and Israelis,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a press release.
Volodymyr Zelensky speaks about Russia’s “culture of hate”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted quickly, saying he was horrified by the “terrible” images. “This is not an isolated case in Makhachkala, but part of the widespread Russian culture of hatred towards other nations,” he said on the social network. “Russian anti-Semitism and hatred of other nations are systemic and deeply rooted,” emphasized the Ukrainian head of state.