Explosion targets Russian-Jewish community leader

The explosion took place on Monday morning at the office of Mikhail Skoblionok, a prominent 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 the package, which exploded. It is not clear if the attack was criminally or racially motivated.

The World Jewish Congress expressed in a statement its shock and “serious concern at an explosion targeting the head of the Jewish community of Tatarstan and of Kazan, Russia, Mr. Mikhail Skoblionok.”

“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.”

Singer continued, “I have known [Mr. Skoblionok] for more than 25 years, 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.”

The Jewish organization said it trusts local authorities to investigate and find the perpetrators behind the “evil and sickening” act, in the hopes they are brought to justice as soon as possible, it said.

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.