In recent days, in the territory of the North Caucasus Federal District of the Russian Federation, where many Muslims reside, anti-Israeli actions have been taking place, which could turn into actual Jewish pogroms. Radical actions have been recorded in Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia.
A series of anti-Semitic demonstrations took place in the North Caucasus. In the capital of Karachay-Cherkessia, a rally was held, during which the participants demanded the "eviction" of Jews. In the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik, unknown individuals set fire to a construction site of a Jewish cultural center. In Dagestan, hundreds of demonstrators stormed the airport in Makhachkala in search of Israeli citizens arriving from Tel Aviv, some of whom were carrying Palestinian flags. The protesters simultaneously looted shops and warehouses at the "Uytash" airport. The demonstrators chanted "death to the Jews". Meanwhile, the local authorities and law enforcement continue to make no effort to prevent this, which poses a serious challenge to the federal authorities, especially considering that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is short of 100,000 employees.
The events in Dagestan are multidimensional and could have both immediate and far-reaching consequences for the Russian Federation and the Caucasus region as a whole. Pogroms threaten to escalate into large-scale unrest in the Caucasian republics. The anniversary of the Chechen war threatens to turn into another massive confrontation between local forces and federal authorities, strengthening extremism and Islamic fundamentalism. The events could push this Muslim region towards greater autonomy.
In other regions of Russia, confrontations with authorities and law enforcement are possible, but for completely different reasons. This could be due to war, mobilization, worsening economic situations, and escalating repression. Outbreaks on national-religious grounds are possible, protests against migrants and Muslims as a whole, as well as against Jews.
Russian authorities have become hostages to their own anti-Semitic views (anti-Semitic statements by President V. Putin, Foreign Minister S. Lavrov, various propagandists, and "patriots"), rooted in dubious traditions of the Russian Empire regarding Jews (Jewish pogroms, "Black Hundreds"). Alexander Kots, a popular "military blogger" in Russia, called on the Dagestanis to go and kill Jews not only in Gaza but also in Ukrainian Kiev.
Following the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, anti-Israeli sentiments have intensified in Russia. Russians on social networks support Hamas terrorists and express opposition to Israel and its citizens. A delegation from Hamas was received "royally" in Moscow, and according to the Hamas delegates, Russian military academies will study for years the "success" of their attack.
Simultaneous "flirting" with Hamas and radical Muslim forces threatens outbreaks of violence and terror in Russia itself ("Muslims against Orthodox," "Russians against outsiders," "Muslims against Jews," "national-patriots against the authorities," etc.). In the event of an escalation, the Kremlin may mobilize the army, as it did during the Chechen wars, but then the question remains open about the continuation of the war in Ukraine, as an "internal front" will essentially emerge. The authorities will have to concentrate on curbing negative developments both in the Caucasus and in other regions. The situation threatens to strengthen "national-patriots" calling for a "firm hand" and decisive measures.
Recent events in Russia will complicate the Kremlin's work, as it will have to somehow prove that the Jewish minority in the country is completely safe. The press service of the Chief Rabbinate of the Russian Federation in Dagestan stated that Jewish families in Dagestan must leave the region as Russia will no longer protect them.
Internationally, Russia may face a harsh reaction from Israel (and the Israeli community within the country). Israel has sent an official "signal" to Russian authorities calling for "measures against the rioters" and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens.
These events once again underline the increasing ethnic and religious tensions within Russia. The events in Dagestan could become a "point of bifurcation" for the Russian governmental system – apparent stability could turn into unmanageable chaos.
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