Israeli officials confirmed the death of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who had been missing since Thursday, November 21, 2024. UAE intelligence and security forces located his body, and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed their condolences.
They assured the public that the Israeli mission in Abu Dhabi had been in constant contact with the family and was providing ongoing support. The statement emphasized that the murder of Kogan was an act of antisemitic terrorism, and Israel vowed to pursue the perpetrators with all available means.
Rabbi Kogan, a 28-year-old resident of Abu Dhabi, was an emissary of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, a prominent branch of Hasidic Judaism. Originally from Moldova, Kogan held dual citizenship with Israel and Moldova. His work in the UAE, as part of the Chabad community, focused on fostering Jewish life in the region, including managing the Rimon Market, a kosher grocery store in Dubai. He was also involved in community outreach, having worked as a recruiter and dedicated volunteer.
Israeli Rabbi Zvi Kogan Found Dead in UAE, Murdered in Act of Antisemitic Terrorism
The circumstances surrounding Kogan’s disappearance led Israeli authorities to suspect a terrorist motive. On Saturday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced an investigation into the incident, describing it as likely linked to terrorism, though details were not initially provided. The UAE Ministry of Interior also confirmed it was investigating the case but identified Kogan simply as a Moldovan national, which may indicate a difference in how his identity was viewed by local authorities.
Kogan’s work in the UAE had made him a target of anti-Israel sentiment, particularly following the normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel. His management of the Rimon Market, located on Dubai’s Al Wasl Road, had previously made it a focal point for protests. Following his disappearance, the market was shut down, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding his role and the broader political climate.
Survived by his wife, Rivky, a U.S. citizen, Kogan’s death has shocked the Jewish community worldwide. Rivky is the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was tragically killed in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This tragic event has underscored the risks faced by Jewish emissaries abroad, as well as the ongoing need for vigilance and security in regions where tensions over Israel remain high. Israeli authorities have pledged to pursue justice and ensure that those responsible for Kogan’s murder are held accountable.
