Three Uzbek nationals were arrested recently for the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was discovered dead in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under circumstances described by Israeli officials as "an antisemitic act of terror." Kogan, 28 years old, is understood to have worked as a Chabad emissary, helping to expand the small Jewish community within the UAE. He had been reported missing on November 21 before his body was found on November 24. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the suspects, but details about the motive and circumstances surrounding the murder remain unclear.
The UAE’s Ministry of Interior confirmed the arrests, with reports indicating the men were apprehended by Turkish authorities at Istanbul Airport, as they attempted to flee. These developments occurred after Emirati officials requested assistance from Turkey, which facilitated the arrests following intelligence on the suspects’ flight details.
Kogan's death has sent shockwaves through both the Jewish community and broader society. During his funeral held at Kfar Chabad, his father, Alexander Kogan, mournfully expressed: “Zvi was innocent, and that's how he arrives in heaven.” The emotional ceremony took place under heavy rain, reflecting both the sorrow of the attendees and the weight of the tragedy. Prominent figures including Israel’s Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar described Kogan as “the ultimate sacrifice for the entire Jewish world,” emphasizing the impact of his passing on the Jewish community globally.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the murder, labeling it as “abhorrent” and vowing to bring the assailants to justice. This sentiment echoed throughout the Israeli government, which classified the act as one potentially driven by antisemitic motives, not only affecting the community within the UAE but also straining relations between Israel and the UAE, especially amid the recent backdrop of increased tensions resulting from the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The importance of Kogan's role as the first rabbi based permanently within the UAE cannot be understated. He was instrumental in establishing Jewish institutions, including the first Jewish education center and the provision of kosher food, thereby making significant contributions to the local Jewish infrastructure. Following the funeral, Kogan’s body was buried at the Mount of Olives, where he was remembered as a devoted father and community leader.
Israeli officials have reiterated travel warnings to citizens, advising against non-essential travel to the UAE. They are being encouraged to remain vigilant and to exercise caution, reflecting heightened concerns following Kogan’s murder. Alongside these measures, there remains hope for continued collaboration between Israel and the UAE, which normalized relations only recently under the Abraham Accords.
This incident also sparked significant expressions of solidarity from global leaders. Moldova’s President expressed condolences, describing Kogan’s murder as tragic and hateful. Meanwhile, U.S. officials described the crime as deeply alarming, calling for accountability for the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act.
Notably, Jared Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, pledged to donate $2 million to Chabad of the UAE following Kogan's murder, emphasizing their commitment to the Jewish community and to combating antisemitism on a global stage. Kushner noted the importance of uniting against hatred, reminding everyone of the necessity to strengthen ties within communities and countries.
While the investigation continues, underlying sentiments within Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide indicate fear and sadness as this tragic murder unveils the vulnerabilities faced by minorities, even within nations where they are welcomed. The global Jewish community joins the Kogan family, grappling with the loss, and reflecting on the broader challenges of antisemitism.
With the situation still developing, the interactions between Israeli, Emirati, and Turkish authorities remain under close scrutiny as all parties seek to understand what led to this violent act and how such tragedies can be prevented in the future, ensuring safety and respect for diverse communities worldwide.
