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Edited by: Fern Sidman
The shocking murder of Israeli Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent ripples through the international Jewish community and raised serious concerns about anti-Semitism and regional security. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the killing as a “heinous anti-Semitic terrorist act,” pledging that Israel will employ every available resource to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Rabbi Zvi Kogan was a prominent figure in the UAE’s Jewish community. Working under the auspices of Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish organization dedicated to supporting Jewish life worldwide, he played a vital role in fostering religious and cultural ties for the thousands of Jewish visitors and residents in the Gulf state. His sudden disappearance on Thursday in Dubai triggered immediate concern, culminating in the discovery of his body in the city of Al Ain near
Details surrounding the crime remain murky. It is unclear whether Rabbi Kogan was killed in Al Ain or if his body was transported there posthumously. Former Israeli Druze politician Ayoob Kara, speaking from Dubai, has suggested that the ongoing investigation by Emirati authorities will shed light on the circumstances. However, Kara did not hesitate to attribute the attack to Iran, a claim likely to heighten geopolitical tensions in an already volatile region.
According to a report in The New York Post, Rabbi Kogan stopped communicating with his family on Wednesday. His last known location was approximately 90 minutes from Dubai, and concerns about his safety arose when he failed to attend scheduled meetings. The rabbi’s wife raised the alarm after losing all contact with him, prompting Chabad security officials to notify local authorities.
Security officials disclosed to Israeli media outlets that Kogan was likely followed in the kosher supermarket he managed in Abu Dhabi before his disappearance. Disturbingly, the suspected perpetrators, believed to be Islamic terrorists, reportedly fled to Turkey, as indicated in The New York Post report.
The timing of Rabbi Kogan’s disappearance coincides with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Tehran has issued public threats of retaliation against Israel following an airstrike in October that targeted sensitive Iranian military bases. The situation has further deteriorated amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Israeli operations in Lebanon. Iranian forces have already launched missile attacks on Israeli territory as the volatility of the region continues to escalate.
Netanyahu’s statement sheds light on the Israeli government’s view that this murder was not an isolated act of violence but rather a manifestation of deep-seated anti-Semitic hatred. While the UAE has been lauded for fostering warmer ties with Israel following the 2020 Abraham Accords, this incident raises questions about the safety and security of Jewish individuals in the region. It also highlights the persistent challenge of combating anti-Semitism, even in nations that have taken strides toward greater inclusivity and tolerance.
The murder threatens to strain the burgeoning relationship between Israel and the UAE. The Abraham Accords marked a significant breakthrough in Middle Eastern diplomacy, enabling closer cooperation in trade, technology, and cultural exchange. However, incidents like this could complicate these relations, especially if investigations confirm suspicions of external involvement by Iran or other hostile actors.
Iran’s alleged role, as suggested by Ayoob Kara, cannot be ignored in the broader context of Israeli-Iranian tensions. Iran has long been accused of supporting acts of terrorism targeting Jewish and Israeli individuals worldwide. If corroborated, such involvement would underscore the enduring threat posed by Iran’s proxies and their capacity to undermine regional stability.
Netanyahu’s unequivocal pledge to bring the perpetrators to justice reflects Israel’s determination to protect its citizens and global Jewish communities. This resolve may manifest in intensified intelligence-sharing with UAE authorities, heightened diplomatic pressure, and potential covert operations aimed at neutralizing those responsible.
International reactions to the murder have begun to emerge, with Jewish organizations worldwide expressing outrage and calling for swift justice. The incident also serves as a stark reminder to global leaders about the pervasive dangers of anti-Semitism, urging a unified stance against such ideologies.
The New York Post report indicated that this incident is not an isolated one. Iranian intelligence services have a documented history of kidnappings in the UAE, a pattern that raises serious concerns about Tehran’s potential involvement in Kogan’s case. Israeli officials suspect this could be yet another instance of Iran-linked terror cells targeting individuals perceived as symbols of the Jewish state.
The Israeli government’s National Security Council had previously issued a Level 3 travel warning for the UAE. This advisory recommended against non-essential travel to the region and urged heightened caution for those residing there, as per the information provided in The New York Post report. The warning was issued due to fears of terrorist threats and the ongoing geopolitical turmoil.
Despite these advisories, Rabbi Kogan remained in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to his work with the local Jewish community.
In recent years, the UAE has also become an emerging hub for Jewish life, thanks to the dedicated efforts of individuals like Kogan, a dual Israeli-Moldovan citizen, and Rabbi Levi Duchman, the rabbi to the UAE. Together with other Chabad emissaries, they have worked tirelessly to lay the foundations of a vibrant Jewish community in the Gulf.
The collaborative efforts of Kogan and Rabbi Duchman have culminated in a series of groundbreaking achievements, including the founding of the first Jewish education center in the Gulf region. This center not only serves as a focal point for Jewish learning but also as a symbol of the UAE’s growing openness and commitment to fostering religious diversity. By providing a space for education, worship, and community engagement, the center ensures that Jewish families in the UAE have a nurturing environment to pass on their traditions to future generations.
Another major milestone has been the significant improvement in the availability of kosher food and Rabbi Kogan operated the kosher supermarket in Abu Dhabi. The establishment of this store enables Jewish residents and visitors to observe dietary laws more easily. This development reflects a broader effort to accommodate the needs of the Jewish community, making the UAE a more inclusive destination for people of all faiths.
In a poignant illustration of the growing ties between Israel and the UAE, a Torah scroll was commissioned in the Emirates in 2021. This project reached a historic milestone when a letter in the scroll was inscribed by the first sitting Israeli prime minister to visit the UAE. The event marked a powerful moment of unity and hope, underscoring the deepening bonds between the two nations following the Abraham Accords. The Torah scroll now serves as a tangible reminder of the strides made in fostering understanding and cooperation between Jews and Muslims in the region.
Kogan’s journey in the UAE took on a new dimension in 2022 when he was joined by his wife, Rivky, after their marriage. Together, the couple has continued to play an instrumental role in nurturing the Jewish community, offering their unwavering support and leadership. Their partnership exemplifies the spirit of dedication and resilience required to establish Jewish life in a region where it was once virtually nonexistent.
The growth of Jewish life in the UAE represents more than the success of individual efforts; it signifies a broader shift in the region. By embracing and supporting its Jewish residents, the UAE is setting a precedent for religious tolerance and coexistence. This openness not only enriches the lives of the Jewish community but also strengthens the UAE’s position as a beacon of multicultural harmony in the Middle East.
