Israeli Rabbi Zvi Kogan Found Dead in UAE: Authorities Label Antisemitic Terror Act
- Israeli authorities reported that Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was also a Moldovan citizen, was found dead in the United Arab Emirates.
- On Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that UAE authorities located Kogan's body.
- Israeli officials expressed their condolences to Kogan's family.
Israeli Rabbi Found Dead in UAE
Israeli authorities reported that Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was also a Moldovan citizen, was found dead in the United Arab Emirates. They labeled his death as an “antisemitic terrorist act.” Kogan had been missing since Thursday afternoon, and Chabad, the religious movement he represented, stated that he was abducted from Dubai.
On Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that UAE authorities located Kogan’s body. They condemned the murder, stating, “The State of Israel will use all means at its disposal to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these sentiments during a cabinet meeting, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Israeli officials expressed their condolences to Kogan’s family. They stressed that the murder of an Israeli citizen and Chabad emissary was a serious act of anti-Semitic terror.
In light of the incident, Israeli authorities updated travel advice for nationals. They recommend avoiding non-essential travel and advise visitors to stay in secure places.
The UAE’s interior ministry confirmed that they received a missing person report regarding Kogan and had begun an investigation. Kogan was known for helping expand Jewish practices in the UAE, including founding a Jewish education center and providing kosher food.
Kogan’s wife Rivky holds U.S. citizenship and has ties to Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was a victim of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The UAE has a small Jewish community, which has been growing. Last year, the country opened its first purpose-built synagogue, called the “Abrahamic Family House,” which also includes a mosque and a church.
Relations between the UAE and Israel have improved since 2020 when the two nations established formal ties through the Abraham Accords. However, following the October 7 attacks, many Israelis have reduced their public presence in the UAE, and some informal synagogues in Dubai have closed due to safety concerns.