UAE authorities confirmed Sunday the death of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary whose disappearance last week sparked international concern. Kogan, who also held Moldovan citizenship, had not been heard from since Thursday, when all contact with him ceased.
The Prime Minister's Office and Foreign Ministry announced that Israel's diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi has been in contact with the family since the incident began and continues to support them during this difficult time. The rabbi's family in Israel has also been notified.
I mourn with sorrow and outrage the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan.
This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people. It will not deter us from continuing to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere - especially with the help…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) November 24, 2024
"The murder of Zvi Kogan is a heinous antisemitic act of terror," the statement read. "The State of Israel will employ all means necessary to bring those criminals responsible for his death to justice."
Security sources suspect Kogan was murdered by operatives working for Iran, who reportedly surveilled him from his kosher grocery business in Abu Dhabi before escaping to Turkey. UAE officials issued their first statement Saturday evening, hours after news of his disappearance broke, notably avoiding any mention of his Israeli ties.
