The murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an envoy of the orthodox Jewish organization Chabad, has sparked outrage in Israel and raised serious concerns over antisemitism in the UAE. Kogan, who was reported missing in Dubai last Thursday, was found dead on Sunday, prompting a swift condemnation from Israel’s leadership. Authorities have vowed to track down those responsible for his death and have classified the incident as a “criminal antisemitic terrorist attack.”
Kogan, 28, was an Israeli-Moldovan national who worked with Chabad, a religious foundation dedicated to promoting Jewish life around the world, particularly in non-affiliated communities. In Dubai, he played a pivotal role in managing a kosher supermarket and helping to build a strong Jewish presence in the region. He also contributed to expanding Jewish life in the Emirates alongside other Chabad emissaries.
Israeli officials were quick to respond to the situation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issuing a statement describing Kogan’s murder as a terrorist act motivated by antisemitism. “The State of Israel will act in all of its abilities to bring to justice the criminals responsible for his death,” the statement read. Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed this sentiment, calling the attack a “vile, antisemitic attack.”
Kogan’s disappearance began with the discovery of his abandoned car, located about an hour’s drive from his home. This raised immediate suspicion and triggered a joint investigation between Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad and the UAE authorities. The recovery of his body confirmed the worst fears. The investigation is now under intense scrutiny, with Israeli officials in direct contact with Kogan’s family since his disappearance.
The murder has also heightened existing concerns regarding the safety of Israelis in the UAE, especially as Israel continues to grapple with the repercussions of its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli government, through its travel advisory service, has warned citizens to travel to the UAE only for “essential reasons” due to the perceived risk of terrorist activity in the region. The advisory points to a “real risk” to Israeli nationals visiting or staying in the UAE, further complicating the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
While the UAE established formal ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords an agreement brokered by the United States the murder of Rabbi Kogan casts a shadow over this relatively young relationship. Despite the challenges posed by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the UAE has maintained its diplomatic relationship with Israel, but the Kogan case could test the strength of this partnership.
Chabad’s branch in the UAE has been an essential support network for Jewish visitors and residents, offering a place for worship, community activities, and kosher food. Rabbi Kogan’s role was crucial in this initiative, as he worked tirelessly to establish a community and provide support for Jewish individuals living in or visiting the Emirates.
The murder of Kogan is not only a tragedy for his family and the Jewish community but also a wake-up call about the vulnerability of Jews living in regions where antisemitism can remain a hidden threat. As the investigation continues, the world watches closely, with Israel and the international community calling for justice.
The Israeli government’s promise to bring Kogan’s killers to justice underscores the gravity of this case. It also highlights the challenges of ensuring the safety of citizens abroad, particularly in volatile regions. The murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan will likely remain a contentious issue in Israeli-UAE relations, and it raises important questions about the level of security for foreign nationals in the UAE, especially those from Israel.
As Israel mourns the loss of a dedicated rabbi and community leader, the murder serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by rising hatred and the need for continued efforts to combat antisemitism worldwide.
