Representatives of Jewish communities called situation in Dagestan tense

Members of the Jewish communities of Kizlyar and Khasavyurt reported a tense atmosphere in Dagestan, but, according to them, there were no targeted threats to community representatives. The work of at least two Jewish communities in the republic has been suspended, they said.

A representative of the Jewish community of Kizlyar said that although she, like other members of the comunity, had not received any direct threats, the overall  mood in society remains agressive. “It can be unpleasant to see such statuses in What App from people you know well,” she told the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

The work of the Jewish community in Kizlyar has been suspended, the woman noted. “We will not work under any circumstances until the situation improves,” she concluded. 

According to her, the police is showing interest in the situation, but doesn't station near the community premises. “The police is taking the initiative and are worried about what is happening. But they did not set up a permanent post - this will attract even more attention,” she believes.

A representative of the Khasavyurt community confirmed that the atmosphere in Dagestan remains tense. “There are threats on Instagram* and Telegram, they write everywhere – even in WhatsApp statuses,” she said.

The woman said that the community in Khasayurt is not functioning now. “The community doesn’t work, how can it work when everyone is <in fear>,” a community representative told the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

At the same time, she emphasized that she personally does not intend to leave the city. “I’m not thinking about it yet,” she concluded.