On Sunday, the world was jolted by the shocking news of the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was found dead after disappearing earlier in the week. This incident has been labeled as "a heinous act of antisemitic terrorism" by Israeli officials, fueling tensions already running high following regional conflicts.
Kogan, 28, was part of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, known for its strong outreach efforts within Jewish communities. He had been living and working as the emissary for the organization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he managed Rimon Market, a kosher grocery store located on Al Wasl Road, in Dubai. The unfortunate events surrounding his death began on Thursday when he was reported missing.
The case quickly escalated as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated on Sunday, November 24, 2024, "The murder of the late Zvi Kogan is a criminal antisemitic terrorist attack. The State of Israel will act by all means and bring the criminals responsible for his death to justice." This strong condemnation reflects the broader concerns within the Israeli government and Jewish communities worldwide about the safety of individuals living abroad amid rising anti-Jewish sentiments.
Netanyahu conveyed his shock during a cabinet meeting, assuring continued cooperation with UAE authorities as investigations progressed. His sentiments echoed those of Isaac Herzog, Israel’s president, who thanked UAE officials for their "swift action" and expressed confidence their efforts would lead to justice.
According to sources, Kogan's vehicle was located approximately 90 minutes from where he was last seen. Investigators suspect three Uzbek nationals abducted him before fleeing to Turkey. This detail has raised eyebrows concerning potential connections to Iranian intelligence activities, martialing fears within the broader geopolitical climate. Previous instances, such as the controversial kidnappings of dual-nationals, have stoked these fears among the Jewish community and Israeli officials alike.
The fallout stretches beyond individual concerns as the incident occurs against the backdrop of intense international scrutiny following Hamas' assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli military operations. This conflict ignited widespread anger across the Arab world, including within the UAE, where public sentiment appears increasingly hostile toward Israeli actions.
Compounding these issues, the Emirati government has faced pressure both domestically and regionally to reevaluate its diplomatic ties to Israel, which were established through the Abraham Accords signed back in 2020. The facade of coexistence and tolerance promoted by the UAE has slowly begun to crack as protests arose, targeting businesses with connections to the Israeli community, including Kogan's grocery store.
Despite the UAE's acknowledgment of Kogan’s disappearance, their media was notable for its careful language, omitting references to his Israeli citizenship and instead referring to him solely as Moldovan. This distinction has raised questions about the broader diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the incident and the UAE's public image.
Meanwhile, as developments unfolded, Chabad-Lubavitch community leaders have urged followers to perform acts of kindness, known as mitzvot, to honor Kogan’s memory. His wife, Rivky, who shares connections to other high-profile incidents of violence against Jews, including the Mumbai attacks of 2008, has found herself enveloped by the weight of tragedy.
The reactions from around the globe have been swift and well-documented. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis decried the "devastation" this act of terror waves across the Jewish community, remarking it as not merely against Kogan but against the foundations of respect and coexistence laid by the Emirati Jewish community. His remarks underline the tragedy of innocent lives caught amid the geopolitical tumult.
U.S. Jewish organizations have also stepped up their responses, with the American Jewish Committee's CEO Ted Deutsch expressing sorrow over the senseless killing. The message from Jewish leaders has been one of mourning yet also resilience, affirming the community's commitment to unity against violence.
Despite prior relative calm during the last few years, there is palpable fear within the Jewish expatriate communities worldwide following this incident, echoing concerns about potential threats against their presences abroad. Observers worry this could pave the way for future acts of hostility against Jewish or Israeli individuals throughout the region.
Local Jewish organizations have mirrored the grief felt across the ocean, calling for increased safety protocols to protect both Israelis and Jews living within the UAE. Meanwhile, Israeli officials caution against nonessential travel to the Emirates as fears of security threats loom. The implicit warning reflects apprehensions about potential backlash and the safety of Jews and Israelis during this tumultuous period.
This tragic incident involving Rabbi Zvi Kogan serves as not only a wake-up call about the safety of Jewish communities but also as another reminder of the thin layer of peace, respect, and coexistence covering the underlying currents of political unrest and animosity. On the broader scale, this singular act of violence threatens to undo years of diplomatic progress as both Israel and the Emirati leaders work to navigate this perilous political fault line.
