Kyrgyzstan Jews in Danger; Anti-Semites Attack Chabad Synagogue

From Israel National News:

The 2,000-member Jewish community of Kyrgyzstan suddenly lives in fear following an attack on its only synagogue after rebels last week apparently overthrew the government in a bloody uprising in which more than 80 people were killed.

The Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue in Bishkek was firebombed, and the local Jewish school temporarily shut its doors as a precaution. “We ask that everyone keep the people of Kyrgyzstan in their prayers," said Chabad Rabbi Aryeh Reichman. "While we remain cautious, with the help of G-d, peace will soon be restored and life will return to normal."

He told Israel National News in a telephone interview that at least three firebombs exploded at the synagogue but did not cause any interior damage. Rabbi Reichman added that Jewish leaders have protested to the interim government and asked for protection against further anti-Semitic incidents. He added the rebels have taken up office in a parliament building that survived heavy damage in the uprising.

The Jewish community in the country has almost never experienced anti-Semitism before the rebellion last week. (Pictured at left is a Bar Mitzvah ceremony of a Bishkek Jewish boy at the Chabad synagogue.)

Several political observers have linked the attack with rebels’ anger at an American Jewish businessman, who is closely tied with the government of Kurmanbek Bakiyev and his son Maxim but who has no strong ties with the local Jewish community.

Posters scattered throughout Bishkek proclaimed, "Dirty Jews and all those like Maxim Bakiyev have no place in Kyrgyzstan."