Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a prominent Chabad emissary based in Abu Dhabi, has been confirmed dead after disappearing under suspicious circumstances last Thursday. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that Emirati authorities had recovered Kogan's body, describing his death as "an abhorrent act of antisemitic terrorism."
"The murder of Zvi Kogan, of blessed memory, is an abhorrent act of antisemitic terrorism," the statement said. "The State of Israel will use all means to deal with the criminals responsible for his death to the fullest extent of the law."
Kogan, 28, a dual Israeli-Moldovan citizen, was a significant figure in expanding Jewish life in the UAE following the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the UAE in 2020. Working alongside Chief Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Duchman, he played a pivotal role in promoting Jewish education and ensuring access to kosher food across the Gulf region.
His car was reportedly found abandoned in Al Ain, about 150 kilometers from Abu Dhabi. According to Ynet, there were signs of a struggle in the vehicle. Officials suspect that Uzbek nationals, allegedly recruited by Iran, were involved in the attack and later fled to Turkey. However, these claims remain unconfirmed.
Baruch Dayan Haemet
With great pain we share that Rabbi Zvi Kogan, Chabad-Lubavitch emissary to Abu Dhabi, UAE, was murdered by terrorists after being abducted on Thursday.
His body was recovered early Sunday morning, and his family has been notified.
Please do a mitzvah in… pic.twitter.com/UwKmGqu3YK — Chabad.org (@Chabad) November 24, 2024
President Isaac Herzog expressed grief and outrage over the killing. "This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people," Herzog said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). "It will not deter us from continuing to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere - especially with the help of the dedicated commitment and work of the Chabad emissaries all over the world."
Other Israeli leaders joined in condemning the attack. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed, "Israel will not rest nor be silent until those responsible for this criminal act pay for their actions." Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called the killing "an antisemitic terror incident," emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Israeli and Emirati authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Kogan's death has also prompted the Israeli National Security Council to reiterate its travel warning for the UAE, advising Israelis to avoid nonessential travel and exercise increased caution. "Avoid visiting businesses, gathering places, and entertainment venues identified with the Israeli and Jewish population," the advisory said. Travelers were also urged to avoid displaying Israeli symbols and to report any exposure to terror activity immediately.
The UAE, which had been considered a relatively secure environment for Jewish residents and travelers, expressed shock over the incident. A source close to Emirati authorities told Channel 12 News that the country was "angry and in shock," noting that such incidents are extremely rare.
Kogan's contributions to Jewish life in the UAE were widely celebrated. He participated in the first Holocaust remembrance ceremony held in the Gulf in 2021 and played a key role in founding the region's first Jewish education center. His wife, Rivky Kogan, joined him in Abu Dhabi after their wedding in 2022. Rivky is the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who, along with his wife, was killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
