It’s a somber Sunday for communities in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, as news emerges of the tragic conclusion to a story that has gripped many. Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who held both Israeli and Moldovan citizenship and represented the Chabad movement, has been found dead in Dubai. The government of Israel is referring to incident as an “anti-Semitic terrorist act.”
Rabbi Kogan, who was well known for his work promoting Judaism in the Middle East, disappeared Thursday afternoon. His absence caused concern among his family as well as the larger Jewish community in the area. Chabad’s website had reported that he was abducted, which set off an intense search and an outpouring of prayers and hopes for his safe return.
The search full of passion, kept Israeli and UAE officials busy for a while. Then, in the early hours of Sunday came the sad news – UAE folks found Kogan dead. This latest update’s hit different places pretty hard, with leaders all over sending thoughts and kind words. Over in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared some deep feelings of sadness about Kogan’s passing. “The State of Israel won’t hold back in making sure justice is served,” he said adding some kind words for the Kogan crew.
He not acknowledged the rough loss but also showed they’re dead serious about chasing down justice. This whole mess has Israeli officials telling their people to think twice about going to the UAE. If you’ve gotta go, they say to keep your eyes peeled, don’t wander too much and stick to safe spots. The UAE’s Ministry of Interior is on it – they kicked off a deep dive into what happened after getting word from Kogan’s fam. They’re knee-deep in sniffing out what went down that led to this awful event. It’s known that the UAE, though it’s got a pretty cozy Jewish population in the mere thousands, has been stepping up its game on letting different religions do their thing.
The reality that Kogan served as a crucial (and pivotal) figure in the establishment of the first Jewish educational center in the UAE makes this loss exceedingly profound. He worked tirelessly to expand access to kosher foods in the region; however, he also nurtured bridges between various religious communities. This is significant because, although his efforts were immense, the void left behind is undeniable. He was a pioneer, planting seeds of tradition in an area unfamiliar with such heritage.
His family has also been touched by past tragedies; Kogan’s wife, Rivky, is an American citizen, and her uncle was killed in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This loss has a very personal burden that adds to the many levels of sadness.
Significant changes have occurred in the UAE-Israel relationship throughout the years, most notably the Abraham Accords of 2020. A new phase of cooperation between the two countries was marked by this agreement. Cultural and religious exchanges have improved remarkably, with initiatives such as the “Abrahamic Family House” (which symbolizes unity) hosting a mosque, church and synagogue. However, the recent tensions and events have disrupted this landscape.
In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, there has been a discernible reduction in public Jewish activities. Some informal synagogues have opted for temporary closures because of heightened security concerns. Although many remain hopeful, believing that unity and peace will ultimately triumph over fear and division, the situation remains precarious.
As the communities mourn Rabbi Kogan, they also reflect on his life’s work and affirm their commitment to continuing his legacy of peace and dialogue. Reaffirming their resolve in the face of hatred, the Jewish community and their allies stand strong, showing that love and faith remain powerful forces in the world.
