fbpx

Press enter to see results or esc to cancel.

Concern Grows Over Disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in UAE Suspected Kidnapping and Terrorism Under Investigation
koshersquared in Israel, Jewish Travel
  0 Comments

Concern Grows Over Disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in UAE: Suspected Kidnapping and Terrorism Under Investigation

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has disappeared, raising concerns of a possible terrorist incident. The disappearance occurred on Thursday, and Israeli authorities are treating the case as a suspected act of terrorism.

Rabbi Kogan, a dual Israeli-Moldovan citizen, has been part of the Abu Dhabi Chabad since the normalization of ties between Israel and the UAE in late 2020 through the Abraham Accords. The accords, which brought a rare bright spot for Israel during a tumultuous period, have led to increased Jewish presence in the UAE, including business and tourism from Israel, the USA, and Europe and the proliferation of kosher food in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well as kosher hotels in Dubai.

Recent developments in the case include:

  • Rabbi Kogan’s car was found abandoned near Abu Dhabi.
  • Three Uzbek nationals are suspected of kidnapping the rabbi and fleeing to Turkey.
  • Israeli authorities are collaborating with Emirati security services to investigate the disappearance.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a reminder to Israeli citizens, advising them to travel to the UAE only for essential reasons, as per the National Security Council’s guidance.

This incident highlights the potential risks associated with the UAE as a soft target despite the positive developments brought about by the Abraham Accords.

Update – Rabbi Kogan Found Murdered

Emirati authorities have discovered the body of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, according to a joint statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and Foreign Ministry. The Israeli government has condemned the murder as “a despicable antisemitic act of terror” and vowed to “utilize every possible resource to ensure that justice is served against those responsible for his death.” This tragic development comes after Rabbi Kogan, a Chabad emissary and dual Israeli-Moldovan citizen, went missing on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates.

Written By
koshersquared
Tags