Russia in airport an antisemitic riot over arrival of plane from Israel

A Chaotic Scene Unfolds in Dagestan’s Airport: Protests, Tensions, and a Plea for Calm

In a shocking turn of events, hundreds of people stormed into the main airport in Russia’s Dagestan region, creating a chaotic scene that left authorities scrambling to restore order. The crowd, chanting antisemitic slogans, sought passengers arriving on a flight from the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, leaving many stunned by the unfolding events.

The incident, which took place in Makhachkala, the capital of this predominantly Muslim region, sent shockwaves through the nation. Russian news agencies and social media were abuzz with reports and images, shedding light on the tumultuous situation that unfolded on that fateful Sunday.

Reports from Russian news outlets indicated that the crowd had surrounded an airliner belonging to the Russian carrier Red Wings, adding to the sense of chaos and disorder at the airport. The scenes were nothing short of surreal, as the tension in the air grew thicker by the minute.

In response to the escalating crisis, authorities had no choice but to close down the airport temporarily, as a flood of police officers converged on the facility to restore law and order. The Ministry of Health in Dagestan reported that over 20 people had been injured during the unrest, with two of them in critical condition. Among the injured were both police officers and civilians, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

To address the tumultuous situation, sixty people were detained, according to the Interior Ministry for the federal district that includes Dagestan. However, it remained unclear whether any charges had been filed against these individuals.

The shocking developments did not stop there. Videos circulating on social media provided a glimpse into the chaos at the airport. Some individuals in the crowd were seen waving Palestinian flags, while others attempted to overturn a police car, further fueling the pandemonium. Antisemitic slogans reverberated through the crowd, echoing a disturbing undercurrent of hatred. Some individuals even went so far as to examine the passports of arriving passengers, seemingly in an attempt to identify those who were Israeli.

The Israeli government responded to these alarming events, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office releasing a statement. It expressed the expectation that Russian law enforcement authorities would prioritize the safety of all Israeli citizens and Jews, wherever they might be, while firmly acting against the rioters and those inciting hatred against Jews and Israelis. The statement also mentioned that the Israeli ambassador to Russia was actively working with Russian authorities to ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews in the region.

Amid the turmoil and protests, the regional Dagestani government found itself in a delicate position. While expressing support for Palestinians in Gaza, they appealed to their citizens to remain calm and refrain from participating in such protests. They emphasized the efforts of federal authorities and international organizations to secure a ceasefire for Gaza civilians and called upon the public not to succumb to the provocations of destructive groups or create panic in society.

The Supreme Mufti of Dagestan, Sheikh Akhmad Afandi, added his voice to the plea for calm. In a video message published on Telegram, he implored residents to reconsider their actions, highlighting the ineffectiveness of rallies in addressing the issues at hand. He emphasized the importance of patience and calm in the face of adversity.

Dagestan’s Governor, Sergei Melikov, took a strong stance against the protests, labeling them as a gross violation of the law. He expressed outrage at the events that unfolded at the Makhachkala airport and assured the public that law enforcement agencies would assess the situation appropriately. The governor likened the protests to a “knife in the backs of those who gave their lives for the security of the Motherland,” referencing the 1999 war in Dagestan and the ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

As the nation watched in shock, Russia’s civilian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, later reported that the airfield had been cleared of the crowds. However, the airport remained closed to incoming aircraft until November 6, serving as a stark reminder of the turbulent events that transpired on that ill-fated day.

In the wake of this shocking incident, many questions linger, and a sense of unease pervades the region. The events at Makhachkala’s airport serve as a stark reminder of the tensions and divisions that continue to plague our world. As authorities work diligently to restore order, it is a testament to the resilience of nations in the face of adversity and their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their citizens.

By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed