Prime Minister Netanyahu Vows Justice for Slain Chabad Leader
JERUSALEM – Israel has denounced the murder of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Tzvi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an act of anti-Semitic terrorism, pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Rabbi Kogan, a representative of the Chabad Hasidic movement, had been missing since Nov 21. His body was discovered by UAE security services, Israeli authorities confirmed on Nov 24.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Foreign Ministry called the killing a “heinous act of anti-Semitic terrorism” and assured that Israel would pursue all efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
UAE Silent as Israel Issues Travel Warning
The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords, has not officially confirmed Rabbi Kogan’s death. Israeli authorities have advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the UAE and recommended heightened security for those currently in the Gulf state.
Global Chabad Community Mourns
The Chabad-Lubavitch movement expressed “great pain” over the killing, honoring Rabbi Kogan’s commitment to his faith and community. Israeli President Isaac Herzog reaffirmed the country’s determination to continue fostering Jewish communities worldwide, including in the UAE.
While the UAE prides itself on interfaith tolerance, the incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza following Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Investigations into Rabbi Kogan’s death are ongoing, with Emirati and Israeli authorities working to uncover the circumstances and motives behind the attack.