Good morning, readers!

Is antisemitism on the rise, or has it been silently lurking? One fact is undeniable: it’s surfacing with a vengeance and escalating.

Our lead story delves into a story about how fake news and propaganda led to a swarm of Muslim protestors taking of an airport in Dagestan.

It prompts us to ponder: could foreign entities be fanning these flames? We’d love to hear your thoughts. 👇🏻

Today’s hotspots

Fake news fuels antisemitism in Dagestan.

What if you landed in a foreign country and found out that the locals hated you for your religion? That’s what happened to some Jewish passengers who flew from Israel to Dagestan, a Muslim-majority region in Russia.

On October 29, the passengers were greeted by an angry mob that stormed the airport, climbed on planes, and searched for them. The mob was fueled by fake news and conspiracy theories that claimed the Jews were fleeing Israel and seeking refuge in Dagestan.

🐾 The source of the madness.

Utro Dagestan, a notorious Telegram channel, sparked chaos with fear-mongering posts. They falsely claimed the Tel Aviv flight was ferrying Jewish refugees to Dagestan and rallied followers to intercept.

Their call to action? Track, photograph, and hassle any Jews they encounter in the region.

🐾 The scene.

The mob followed the instructions and headed to the airport in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.

• They breached security, storming the tarmac.

• They scaled planes, attempting to shatter windows.

• They infiltrated the terminal, demanding customs officials reveal the Jews.

• They brandished signs proclaiming “We are against Jewish refugees” and “Child-killers have no place in Dagestan”.

• Palestinian flags fluttered as they denounced Israel.

🐾 The victims.

The passengers who arrived from Israel were petrified and clueless about the unfolding chaos. Among them were locals returning from overseas medical trips, tourists keen on Dagestan’s culture, and business folks with regional ties. All were forced to seek refuge in planes or within the airport, fearing an attack.

🐾 The aftermath.

The authorities eventually managed to restore order and remove the intruders from the airport. They also arrested some of the protesters. The local leader blamed external enemies for spreading fake news and inciting hatred.

• Local religious leaders hinted at a potential evacuation of Dagestan’s 800 Jewish families.

• Israel’s government, condemning the incident, urged Russia to safeguard its citizens and Jews.

Quick updates

Click the country's name for more.👇🏻

🇮🇷 Iran:

Human rights lawyer arrested after attending teen’s funeral.

• Context: 16-year-old girl Armita Geravand, victim of an alleged police assault for not wearing a headscarf, tragically passed away on October 28.

• What happened: Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer, was arrested following Gervand’s funeral for violating the mandatory hijab law.

✱ NOTE: Geravand’s death comes after another woman, Mahsa Amini, died in custody of Iran’s morality police last year.

🇮🇷 Iran:

Iran’s President warns of global action against Israel.

Iranian President Raisi is accusing Israel of crossing the “red lines” that “may force everyone to take action.” However, it is unclear what these “red lines” are.

He has also accused the US of hypocrisy for supporting what he calls the “anti-human regime” that is Israel, yet promoting human rights.

✱ NOTE: Iran has been a major supporter of Hamas, which the US considers a terrorist organization.

🇮🇳 India:

Bomb blast at Jehovah’s Witnesses meeting kills two, injures dozens.

A former church member turned bomber wreaks havoc at a religious gathering in Kerala. The suspect, Dominic Martin, detonated an improvised explosive device among more than 2,000 worshippers, claiming to disagree with their beliefs.

🔎 Quick facts:

• Two women died and 36 others (subject to change) were wounded in the blast.

• The suspect surrendered to the police and released a video on Facebook that called the church’s teachings “seditious.”

• The video is unavailable now, but it is still making the rounds on X.

• In the video, he claims to have been the church’s follower for 16 years.

✱ NOTE: Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian denomination.

🇮🇱 Israel:

Elon Musk offers Starlink to Gaza, Israel says no way.

Musk posted on X, stating his intention to provide Starlink satellite internet to “internationally recognized aid organizations” in Gaza. However, Israel’s communications minister was not happy.

He said that Israel would fight this as Hamas could potentially use the internet connectivity for its terrorist activities.