Israel Claims Rabbi Murdered in UAE, Vows to Find Killers
Israel Decries Rabbi’s Murder in Dubai as Antisemitic Attack, Vows to Pursue Justice
Israeli officials have confirmed the tragic death of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who went missing earlier this week in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Authorities have labeled the incident as a "criminal antisemitic terrorist act," with Israel vowing to pursue all means necessary to bring those responsible to justice.
Kogan, an emissary of the Chabad movement, a global Orthodox Jewish organization, had been missing since Thursday. His body was found days later, prompting an investigation by Israeli intelligence agency Mossad in collaboration with UAE authorities.
The search for Kogan began after his car was discovered abandoned about an hour’s drive from his home. The 28-year-old Israeli-Moldovan national was last seen working at a kosher supermarket in Dubai, where he helped expand Jewish life in the UAE, which has a growing Jewish community.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the murder, calling it a "vile, antisemitic attack." The Israeli government has been in close contact with Kogan's family since his disappearance, and Mossad agents are currently working to uncover the identity of the perpetrators.
Reports from Israeli media suggest that the suspects are three Uzbek nationals, who are believed to have fled to Turkey following the crime.
Chabad’s UAE branch plays an important role in fostering Jewish community ties in the region, offering services to Jewish residents and travelers. Despite the growing ties between Israel and the UAE under the Abraham Accords, Israel has urged its citizens to reconsider travel to the UAE, citing the potential risks posed by terrorist activity.