Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary dedicated to fostering Jewish life in the United Arab Emirates, was tragically murdered by terrorists after being abducted in Dubai on Thursday afternoon. Emirati authorities confirmed the devastating news early Sunday morning when his body was recovered, ending a days-long, intensive international search effort. The heartbreaking loss has sent shockwaves through the global Jewish community and beyond.
The incident triggered a swift and coordinated response from security and intelligence agencies spanning multiple countries. Efforts were undertaken to locate and rescue Rabbi Kogan, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Interior announced it had launched a formal investigation into his disappearance, while the Israeli government identified the abduction as a likely terror-related attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement expressing deep concern and urging swift action. Israeli security agencies worked closely with Emirati counterparts, combining resources and expertise in a bid to resolve the crisis.
Rabbi Kogan, who held dual Israeli-Moldovan citizenship, was a cornerstone of the Jewish community in the UAE. For several years, he worked alongside Rabbi Levi Duchman, the Chief Rabbi of the United Arab Emirates, to establish and expand Jewish life in the Gulf region. Their collective efforts resulted in numerous milestones, including the founding of the first Jewish education center in the region and making kosher food widely available, which significantly enhanced Jewish life and culture in a historically unprecedented setting. Rabbi Kogan was deeply respected for his unwavering commitment to community building and his efforts to provide spiritual guidance to Jews living in or visiting the UAE.
In 2022, Rabbi Kogan married Rivky, who joined him in his mission. Together, they were known for their warmth, hospitality, and tireless dedication to creating an inclusive and vibrant Jewish environment in the Emirates. The couple was instrumental in organizing community events, providing educational opportunities, and offering support to individuals navigating Jewish life in a region still emerging as a hub for Jewish activity.
Rabbi Mendy Labkowski, Director of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Buffalo expressed his grief over the tragedy. “Rabbi Kogan’s life was a testament to the power of selflessness and dedication to others. His work in the UAE brought Jewish tradition and values to places where they had been absent for decades, inspiring so many with his courage and unwavering faith. His loss is a reminder of the sacrifices made by emissaries who dedicate their lives to bringing light to even the most remote corners of the world. May his memory be a blessing and a source of strength to all who knew him.”
Rabbi Kogan’s abduction and murder represent a profound loss not only to his family and the Chabad movement but also to the broader Jewish and Emirati communities. His work symbolized the potential for coexistence, religious tolerance, and cultural flourishing in the Gulf region, making his death all the more tragic. Messages of condolence and solidarity have poured in from around the world, with many expressing gratitude for his remarkable contributions to Jewish life and mourning the senseless violence that ended his life.
The Jewish community in the UAE, while shaken by the tragedy, remains resolute in honoring Rabbi Kogan’s legacy. Plans for tributes and memorials are underway to commemorate his life, his mission, and his vision for a thriving Jewish presence in the Emirates. The loss of Rabbi Kogan is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by emissaries working in regions marked by complexity and tension, yet his memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire countless individuals in their pursuit of faith, community, and connection.
We mourn this unspeakable loss and at the same time we renew our resolve to let our light, of Judaism and the Jewish people, shine even brighter than before. With prayers for peace in Israel and for Jews the world over. Click here to do a Mitzvah in the merit and memory of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan https://onemitzvah.org/tzvi.
Please consider donating to this fund for Rabbi Kogan’s widow, at https://raisethon.com/zvi/