In the aftermath of a violent riot at Dagestan airport on Sunday night, a group of Jewish passengers found themselves in a state of peril. Thanks to the swift response of authorities, they were successfully evacuated via helicopter to an undisclosed location, ensuring their safety.
A video obtained by The Jerusalem Post showed the passengers, seemingly unharmed, having breakfast in what looked like a hotel or motel dining room in Dagestan on Monday morning. These individuals had been huddled within the airport complex until police were able to gain control of the situation. The rescue mission, which included a helicopter, helped to safely evacuate them without risking their lives.
The chaos began when hundreds of anti-Israel protesters descended upon the airport, coinciding with the arrival of a flight from Tel Aviv. Local media reported a frenzied scene as residents of Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, attempted to target Jewish and Israeli passengers aboard the arriving flight.
“Jewish passengers were hidden”
Utter insanity! Shame on the mob at Dagestan airport and those who, in the name of Palestine (but really Hamas), continue to condone and celebrate Nazi-esque methods against Jews. https://t.co/hQpytqEhZ9
— Thomas O. Falk (@topfalk) October 30, 2023
According to RIA news agency, 60 individuals have been detained so far, with 150 of the most active protesters being identified. The skirmish left nine police officers injured, two of whom are currently hospitalized. Videos from the airport showed protesters waving Palestinian flags, destroying glass barriers, and chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest). Some even attempted to overturn a patrol vehicle.
Authorities have confirmed that 20 people were injured before the situation could be contained. However, they have reassured the public that all passengers on the inbound flight from Israel were safe. This incident is the latest in a series of anti-Israel reactions in the North Caucasus region of Russia, believed to be in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In response, the local government is implementing stricter security measures throughout the republic, which is home to an estimated three million residents.
The Head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, released a stern statement condemning the airport attackers, saying, “There is no honor in attacking strangers or in threatening women and children.” Melikov also expressed deep disappointment in those who had previously defended Dagestan in historical conflicts, as they were now bringing shame to their region.
BREAKING:
The lynch mob which stormed the airport in Dagestan, Russia to search for Jews as a plane was landing from Tel Aviv has found its first “suspected Jew”
He tells them he is Uzbek, but they don’t believe him
“Take his passport, search his phone” pic.twitter.com/9gKteyKFz0
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 29, 2023
He went on to allege that external forces, particularly from Ukraine, were behind the incidents at the airport. Melikov specifically pointed fingers at the online channel “Morning of Dagestan” for promoting violence and operating from Ukrainian territory. However, the channel has strongly denied any ties to Ukraine.
In the broader perspective, Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar expressed concern over rising global tensions and stressed the importance of mutual respect and unity among the diverse populace of Russia. Other spiritual leaders, including Russian Mufti Ahmad Afandi Abdulaev, have also denounced the violent protest methods used at the airport.
The situation at Dagestan airport is still developing, and authorities are working to identify and detain all those responsible for the violence. Meanwhile, the evacuated Jewish passengers are being kept safe in an undisclosed location until the situation is under control.