Explosion targets Russian Jewish community leader, WJC condemns attack

OCTOBER 15, 2018 19:33

Updated: OCTOBER 16, 2018 12:28

Scene of a large explosion and fire in Jaffa, November 27, 2017 (photo credit: MAGEN DAVID ADOM) — Scene of a large explosion and fire in Jaffa, November 27, 2017

(photo credit: MAGEN DAVID ADOM)

Skoblionok and his assistant were the only two injured in the blast and are being treated for burns and eye injuries after being transferred to the hospital according to Russian media reports.

An explosion took place Monday at the office of Mikhail Skoblionok, a prominent Russian-Jewish businessman and leader of the Jewish community in Kazan, Russia.

Skoblionok and his assistant were the only two injured in the blast and were treated for burns and eye injuries after being transferred to the hospital, according to Russian reports.

The injuries were sustained during the opening of a package, which exploded. It is not clear if the attack was criminal or antiseptically motivated.

The World Jewish Congress expressed its shock and “serious concern," in a statement to the press.

“I was shocked and horrified to hear about today’s explosion targeting the head of the Jewish community in Kazan, Russia,” said WJC CEO Robert Singer. “I wish to extend my best wishes to... his family and hope for a speedy recovery.”

“I have known [Mr. Skoblionok] for more than 25 years," Singer said, "and have seen that the rebirth and well-being of his community was, and is, in large extent due to his personal involvement. We fully trust that the local authorities are doing all in their power to investigate and ensure that the perpetrators behind this evil and sickening act are brought to justice as soon as possible.”

Following the report, a criminal case was opened for the attempted murder of Skoblionok and his assistant, which police suspect is related to Skoblionok’s commercial activity.