Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, the assistant rabbi for the Jewish community in Abu Dhabi, was confirmed dead on a Sunday morning after being seemingly murdered by three Iranian agents, who reportedly originated from Uzbekistan and subsequently fled to Turkey. His death elicited a strong response from the Chabad organization, which acknowledged the tragedy and encouraged members of the community to perform good deeds—or “mitzvot”—in Rabbi Kogan’s memory. The rabbi had been reported missing since Thursday, which raised alarms and prompted concerns about the safety and security of Jewish community members in the region.
Upon learning of Rabbi Kogan’s disappearance, Israeli officials took action, attempting to communicate with his family on Friday. There was a notable level of frustration expressed by Israeli authorities regarding what they viewed as a sluggish investigation by UAE law enforcement. This sentiment intensified after it became known that Rabbi Kogan’s vehicle had been pulled over for speeding while being driven by his assailants, signaling a potential lapse in safety and security measures within the UAE. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly released a statement confirming the discovery of Kogan’s body, pledging both ongoing familial support and relentless pursuit of justice against those responsible for the murder.
The ramifications of Rabbi Kogan’s death extend beyond personal loss, with Israeli officials branding the incident as an egregious act of antisemitic terrorism. President Isaac Herzog emphasized that this act would not serve to hinder efforts to expand and enhance Jewish communities within the UAE or elsewhere. The establishment of Jewish life in the region has gained momentum since Israel’s normalization of relations with the UAE in 2020 through the Abraham Accords. Chabad, a well-known Hasidic movement, continues to play a critical role in cultivating connections among Jews worldwide, adapting its outreach and support in diverse locales.
Notably, the timing of this tragedy is poignant, occurring just sixteen years after a terrorist attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai, which took the life of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, Rabbi Kogan’s relative. Such echoing incidents highlight the persistent threats faced by Jewish communities globally and the risks that accompany their establishment in new environments. This killing raises serious concerns regarding the implications for domestic security within the UAE, which has cultivated an image of tolerance and openness—a perception that is now jeopardized by this violent act.
The broader implications of this act of violence against Rabbi Kogan challenge the UAE’s carefully constructed image as a safe haven for expatriates and diverse communities. The incident marks a notable shift toward an upsurge in antisemitic acts, emblematic of Iran’s renewed engagement with such terror tactics against Jews rather than solely targeting Israel or its citizens. As global communities react, there is a palpable tension surrounding the safety of Jewish institutions and individuals in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
As discussions unfold regarding Rabbi Kogan’s murder, the rising threat of antisemitism continues to dominate conversations, echoing across communities and countries. Particularly in light of Rabbi Kogan’s important work within the Jewish community in Abu Dhabi, such violence poses significant challenges to the ongoing efforts at nurturing and developing these communities, made evident through the establishment of the UAE’s inaugural synagogue at the recently inaugurated Abrahamic Family House. The memory of Rabbi Kogan, along with calls for “mitzvot” in his honor, signifies a collective desire to respond to tragedy with resilience and an unwavering commitment to community.