DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Energy & Infrastructure

Russian-Israeli historian critical of Zionism disappears after landing at Ben-Gurion Airport

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Russian-Israeli historian Artyom Kirpichenok has reportedly disappeared after arriving in Israel on August 2.
  • Kirpichenok, who previously lived in Israel for 15 years and later adopted a critical stance on Zionism in Russia, was expected to host a conference.
  • The Russian embassy has contacted Israeli authorities, while a Russian journalist claims Kirpichenok is in Shin Bet custody, urging public attention.

Russian-Israeli historian Artyom Kirpichenok, 51, has reportedly vanished after arriving at Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport on August 2. Kirpichenok, who had lived in Israel for nearly 15 years after immigrating in the 1990s, returned for a conference he was scheduled to host.

We have taken note of reports published by several Russian media outlets concerning journalist and Middle East scholar Artem Kirpichenok, who was reportedly detained by law enforcement authorities in Israel on August 2.

— Russia's Embassy in IsraelThe embassy confirmed it was aware of the reports regarding Kirpichenok's disappearance.

Loved ones and colleagues have been unable to contact him since his arrival. Kirpichenok later moved back to Russia, where he became known for his critical views on Zionism and the Jewish state.

To date, the embassy has not received any inquiries from Kirpichenok’s relatives, friends, or colleagues. Nevertheless, we have submitted a relevant request to the appropriate Israeli authorities. We are monitoring the matter.

— Russia's Embassy in IsraelThe embassy stated its actions despite not having direct contact from Kirpichenok's circle.

The Russian Embassy in Israel stated it has taken note of the reports and submitted a request to the relevant Israeli authorities. Ambassador Anatoly Viktorov confirmed the embassy's action but did not provide further details.

Unfortunately, our worst fears have been confirmed. Artem Ivanovich Kirpichenok is in prison, in the custody of Israel’s Shin Bet security service.

— Daria MitinaA Russian journalist claimed Kirpichenok was being held by Israeli security forces.

Russian journalist Daria Mitina claimed Kirpichenok is being held by Israel's Shin Bet security service. She emphasized the need for "maximum public attention" for his case.

The case needs "maximum public attention."

— Daria MitinaMitina stressed the urgency and public importance of Kirpichenok's situation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog