Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Found Dead in UAE: Antisemitic Terror Incident

Israeli Rabbi Found Dead in UAE

Israel reported that the body of Zvi Kogan, a 28-year-old Israeli-Moldovan rabbi, has been discovered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He went missing during an alleged antisemitic attack. The Israeli government condemned the event as a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will use all means necessary to ensure justice for Kogan’s death. The UAE government has not issued any remarks about the situation yet.

Kogan managed a Kosher grocery store in Dubai and was an emissary of the Chabad Lubavitch movement. He was last seen in Dubai after he disappeared on Thursday. This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region due to the ongoing conflict involving Hamas and Israeli military actions.

The UAE’s state-run news agency acknowledged Kogan’s disappearance but only referred to him as Moldovan. The Interior Ministry said that specialized authorities initiated search and investigation operations upon receiving the report.

Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, expressed his condolences and thanked the UAE authorities for their efforts, expressing confidence in their ability to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Kogan’s grocery store, Rimon Market, was closed on Sunday. The store has faced protests and vandalism amid regional tensions. Kogan’s wife, Rivky, is a U.S. citizen and the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was murdered in the Mumbai attacks of 2008.

The UAE has a small but growing Jewish community and features kosher businesses. However, local Jewish representatives have not commented on Kogan’s death.

In the past, Iran has been linked to various kidnappings in the UAE. This incident prompts concerns over Iranian intelligence operations in the region.