GlobalWide News
Der Spiegel: In a column by Mikhail Zygar, a disturbing incident in Dagestan, Russia, is reported where a mob stormed the Machachkala airport looking for Jews to retaliate for events in Gaza, marking a severe departure from the traditionally peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Jews in the region.
The column explores the complex political and social fabric of Dagestan through the experiences of Julia, a former Middle East reporter who converted to Islam and moved there to teach history. Dagestan is portrayed as a unique territory, home to over a hundred nationalities and directly governed by Moscow, particularly through federal security forces. The region, with a history of conflict with Russia, has recently experienced a shift in youth culture towards Mixed Martial Arts and away from Islamist extremism.
The Jewish community, though small, has lived without oppression, but recent conspiracy theories and rumors, possibly spread by security services, have stirred unrest and discrimination. These events may indicate corrupt motives within the security forces, aiming to secure more funding from Moscow. The skepticism once held by Moscow journalists towards conspiracy theories has eroded in light of recent events, including the attack on Ukraine, leading some, including the columnist, to reevaluate their stance on the credibility of such theories.
Julia has since returned to Moscow due to increasing danger from the security services, with the column withholding her real name for her safety.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/dagestan-haben-die-herrschenden-sicherheitskraefte-den-antisemitischen-vorfall-provoziert-a-7bb8ab3b-2274-4978-826f-563ebc388ad0
