Israel announces murder of rabbi missing in UAE

Israeli authorities have declared that a rabbi who disappeared in the United Arab Emirates was murdered, and they have pledged to pursue those responsible for his death. “The murder of Zvi Kogan is a criminal antisemitic terrorist incident. The State of Israel will act in all of its abilities to bring to justice the criminals responsible for his death,” the Prime Minister’s office stated on Sunday, following reports of the discovery of the rabbi’s body. The UAE’s interior ministry verified on Sunday evening that three individuals have been apprehended in connection with the killing. Rabbi Kogan, an envoy for the orthodox Jewish organization Chabad Lubavitch, had been reported missing in Dubai since Thursday, prompting an investigation by both the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and UAE authorities. The Israeli statement further indicated that Israeli officials have maintained communication with the family of the Israeli-Moldovan national since his disappearance. The discovery of Zvi Kogan’s body occurred subsequent to his abandoned vehicle being located approximately an hour’s drive from his residence. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog similarly characterized the murder as “a vile, antisemitic attack”. Investigators from Mossad are engaged in efforts to identify the individuals accountable for the rabbi’s demise. Chabad functions as a religious foundation dedicated to fostering connections with non-affiliated and secular Jews, as well as other Jewish denominations. Its branch in the UAE provides support to thousands of Jewish visitors and residents, according to information on its website. Rabbi Kogan, aged 28, collaborated with fellow Chabad emissaries “in establishing and expanding Jewish life in the Emirates,” as stated by the organization. He additionally oversaw a kosher supermarket situated in Dubai. Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, who serves as chairman of Chabad Lubavitch, stated: “We trust that the UAE will work with the countries in the region to bring the perpetrators to justice, and hold all those involved accountable for this act of sheer evil.” The Israeli government’s travel advisory service cautions its citizens to restrict travel to the UAE to “essential reasons” only, citing “terrorist activity” within the UAE that poses “a real risk to Israelis who are staying/visiting in the country.” Abu Dhabi formalized its diplomatic relations with Israel through an agreement facilitated by the US, known as the Abraham Accords. This relationship has been sustained throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Reporting was additionally provided by Ruth Comerford.