Israel announced on Sunday that the body of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Moldovan-Israeli ultra-Orthodox rabbi, was found in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after he went missing on Thursday. Israeli authorities have classified his death as a “heinous antisemitic terror incident,” prompting swift condemnation and calls for justice from Israel’s leadership.
Details of the Case
Rabbi Kogan, 28, was the owner of Rimon Market, a kosher grocery store in Dubai, which has become a popular hub for Israeli expatriates and businesses following the 2020 Abraham Accords. His disappearance and subsequent death have raised concerns about the safety of Israelis and Jewish people in the region, especially following rising tensions linked to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The details surrounding Kogan’s death remain unclear, but Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would take all necessary measures to seek justice for the rabbi. Netanyahu’s office released a statement promising to “act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death,” but provided no specifics on how the authorities determined it was a terror attack.
Reactions from Israeli Officials
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the killing, emphasizing the need for accountability and thanking the UAE authorities for their cooperation in the investigation. During a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu expressed his shock at the murder, underlining the continued importance of the UAE-Israel relationship despite the tragic incident.
“Israel is deeply shocked by this heinous act,” Netanyahu said. “We thank the UAE for their swift cooperation, and we are confident they will work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
UAE Response
The Emirati government has not yet provided a detailed public response regarding the nature of the crime or its possible motivations. The UAE’s state-run WAM news agency confirmed Kogan’s disappearance but did not mention his Israeli citizenship, referring to him as Moldovan. The Interior Ministry of the UAE acknowledged his case, stating that specialized authorities had immediately launched search and investigation operations upon receiving the report of his disappearance.
In a statement posted on the social platform X, senior Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash reiterated the UAE’s commitment to being a “home of safety” and a “society of tolerance and coexistence” and pledged to maintain its role as a “beacon of development and advancement.” However, the UAE government has refrained from commenting further on the circumstances surrounding Kogan’s death.
Tensions Between Israel and the UAE
This incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, exacerbated by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. These developments have stirred anti-Israel sentiment across parts of the Arab world, including in the UAE, which has historically positioned itself as a moderate Arab state.
While the Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, the murder of Kogan has highlighted the vulnerability of Israeli nationals in the region, particularly amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
Impact on the Jewish Community in the UAE
Kogan was an emissary of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, a prominent ultra-Orthodox Jewish group based in Brooklyn, New York. His kosher store in Dubai, Rimon Market, was well known among the local Jewish community. The market, which had faced online protests from Palestinian supporters, was closed on Sunday following the news of Kogan’s death. Mezuzahs, which are Jewish religious symbols, were reportedly removed from the store’s doors when an Associated Press journalist visited the site.
Local Jewish officials in the UAE have declined to comment publicly on the incident.
Safety Concerns for Israelis
In the wake of Kogan’s murder, the Israeli government issued a renewed travel advisory, warning citizens against nonessential travel to the UAE. Authorities cited concerns about the safety of Israeli nationals and Jewish people in the region amid rising tensions. This follows similar warnings issued during times of conflict, particularly in the wake of the Hamas attacks.
Looking Ahead
As investigations into Rabbi Kogan’s death continue, Israel’s government remains focused on ensuring that justice is served. The case underscores broader concerns about the security of Israelis living and working in the UAE and other parts of the Arab world. While the Abraham Accords have brought economic and diplomatic benefits, incidents like this remind both Israeli and Emirati officials of the challenges in maintaining stability and safety in a region fraught with tension.
References:
- WAM News Agency (UAE state-run news outlet)
- Chabad Lubavitch Movement official website
- Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
