A missing Israeli rabbi was found dead and three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, according to the Jewish organization Chabad, authorities from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The UAE's Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of three individuals involved in the murder of Zvi Kogan, who was identified as a Moldovan national upon entry to the UAE, where he lived as a resident. They made this announcement through their official social media platform, X, stating the suspects were apprehended rapidly after the family reported him missing.
After receiving the missing person report, the UAE Ministry stated, "a specialized search and investigation team was quickly assembled." This swift action led to the discovery of Kogan’s body, the identification and arrest of the alleged perpetrators, and the beginning of the legal procedures necessary for the case. The Ministry indicated more details would be provided after investigations concluded.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his shock over Kogan's death, stating the events constituted "a criminal anti-Semitic terrorist attack." He sent condolences on behalf of the Israeli government and citizens, expressing dismay at the violence faced by one of their own.
Kogan, who was just 28 years old, served as a rabbi and emissary for Chabad, based in Abu Dhabi. According to the organization, he was also noted to hold dual citizenship from Israel and Moldova. This tragic incident has echoed throughout the Jewish community, particularly due to Kogan's role within Chabad, which emphasizes outreach and support for Jews worldwide.
Compounding the rise of tensions, Kogan operated The Rimon Market, a kosher grocery store situated in Dubai. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE through the Abraham Accords of 2020, Dubai’s dynamic marketplace has seen many Israelis engage commercially and culturally. Following Kogan's murder, The Rimon Market was closed, reflecting the somber mood enveloping the community.
Reports also surfaced indicating the store had previously faced protests due to its connection to Jewish identity. Observations noted how Mezuzahs, sacred Jewish symbols placed on doorposts, had been forcibly removed from the market. Such acts highlight underlying societal tensions within the diverse population of the UAE.
Kogan's wife, Rivky, is cited as being particularly connected to significant historical events, as she is the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who tragically lost his life during the infamous 2008 Mumbai attacks. This connection adds another layer of sorrow to the Kogan family, highlighting the continued suffering within the Jewish diaspora.
Authorities quickly identified the arrested suspects as Olimpi Tohirovic, Mahmoud John Abdul Rahim, and Azizi Kamilovic, all hailing from Uzbekistan. While blurry images of these individuals have been circulated by state-owned news sources, the UAE’s Interior Ministry has yet to disclose if any formal charges have been filed against them.
The investigation continues, with no clear indication of whether the culprits have secured legal representation within the UAE. Adding to the complexity, there have been allegations linking Uzbek nationals to Iranian operations targeting various individuals and dissidents. Israeli media has suggested possible connections to larger geopolitical issues, especially following regional tensions resulting from military confrontations.
Israeli officials reportedly view the situation with caution, contemplating the potential influence of Iran—known for its controversial actions against dissidents abroad—in the events surrounding Kogan's murder. This concern is heightened by previous acts attributed to Iran, including direct actions against individuals considered threats to their regime.
The U.S. has also responded firmly to the tragic killing of Rabbi Kogan. Sean Savett, spokesperson for the National Security Council, condemned the act, calling it "a horrific crime against all those who stand for peace, tolerance, and coexistence." He extended prayers to Kogan's family and the broader Jewish community, reinforcing support for victims of hate and violence.
Overall, the killing raises significant questions relating to the safety of expatriates within the UAE and the stability of its diplomatic relationships, which have become much more pronounced since the opening of ties following the Abraham Accords. The ramifications of such violence weigh heavily, forcing both local and international communities to reevaluate their approaches to ensuring the safety of individuals, regardless of their nationality or beliefs.
