Murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, Chabad Emissary in the UAE, Raises Outrage and Condolences

The recent murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has shaken the Jewish community worldwide. Authorities confirmed on Sunday that Kogan’s body had been found after he had gone missing for several days. Initial investigations point to a possible terrorist motive, with Kogan's death being labeled a "criminal antisemitic terrorist attack" by Israeli authorities.

Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan dual citizen, was abducted on Thursday. His vehicle was discovered in a city near Dubai, and Israeli intelligence agencies have been working closely with the UAE authorities. It is suspected that Kogan was taken by three Uzbek nationals, who are believed to have fled to Turkey afterward. While Israeli officials have pointed to a potential connection to Iranian surveillance, the investigation is still ongoing.

In response to the murder, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Foreign Ministry offered their condolences to the family, while reiterating their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice. "The State of Israel will act by all means and bring the criminals responsible for his death to justice," the PMO stated. The Israeli government has expressed shock and anger over the killing, with President Isaac Herzog and other top officials condemning the act as a direct attack on the Jewish community.

Rabbi Kogan, who had only been married for a little over a year, was remembered fondly by the Chabad community. Before moving to the UAE, he had served in the Israeli Defense Forces and had worked tirelessly on behalf of Jewish communities in the region. In response to the news of his death, Chabad officials shared their grief, urging people to pray for his safe return, and later for his soul to be remembered through acts of kindness.

Religious Affairs Minister Michael Malchiali expressed his sorrow, calling Kogan’s murder "cold-blooded" and "vile," and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Chabad emissaries worldwide. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who had personally reached out to the Emirati Foreign Affairs Minister, joined in the condemnation, calling the incident a terrorist attack.

The tragic loss of Rabbi Kogan has prompted discussions on the security of Jewish communities abroad, with several Israeli officials reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding Jews worldwide.