Confirmation of Rabbi Kogan’s Death

Israeli authorities confirmed on Sunday the tragic death of Zvi Kogan, a rabbi based in Abu Dhabi, following his disappearance on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the situation in a public statement via social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The statement disclosed, “The UAE intelligence and security authorities have located the body of Zvi Kogan, who went missing on Thursday.” They mentioned that the Israeli mission in Abu Dhabi has been in close contact with Kogan’s family, providing ongoing support during this harrowing time. Authorities also confirmed that Kogan’s family in Israel has been notified.

A Condemnation of Antisemitic Violence

The Israeli government was swift to respond to the chilling details surrounding Kogan’s death, labeling it “an abhorrent act of antisemitic terrorism.” In their statement, officials vowed to “utilize every resource to bring the perpetrators to justice,” reflecting the seriousness of the crime and the commitment of the State of Israel to combat antisemitism.

The Life of Rabbi Zvi Kogan

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, aged 28, was an emissary of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, a significant and internationally recognized branch of Hasidic Judaism that is headquarters in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood. Known for their dedication to Jewish education and community service, Chabad has a presence in numerous countries worldwide.

While residing in the United Arab Emirates, Kogan held dual citizenship, being a citizen of both Moldova and Israel. According to his LinkedIn profile, he worked as a recruiter and was described as “passionate about volunteering and serving [his] community,” highlighting his commitment to helping others throughout his life.

Investigation into Disappearance

Prior to the announcement of Kogan’s death, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office had initiated an investigation into his unexplained disappearance. Authorities indicated that there were potential links to a “terrorist incident,” although specific details regarding the circumstances surrounding his vanishing were not disclosed at that time.

Simultaneously, the UAE’s Ministry of Interior also confirmed it was investigating the case but referred to Kogan as a “Moldovan national” in official communication. This has raised questions regarding the international implications and collaborative efforts between Israel and UAE authorities to unravel the incident.

Personal Connections and Global Outrage

The tragedy of Kogan’s death resonates on a deeply personal level for many, including his wife, Rivky, a U.S. citizen who lived alongside him in Abu Dhabi. Their family has been profoundly impacted not only by the current incident but also by the violent historical context of terrorism; Rivky is the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was infamously killed during the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008.

The community’s grief has surfaced globally, with expressions of outrage, sorrow, and solidarity from diverse groups who stand against the evils of antisemitism and terrorism. These sentiments have catalyzed a collective call for justice and a stronger commitment to combating hatred in all its forms.

Continued Efforts for Justice

As the investigation unfolds, the quest for justice in the Kogan case remains paramount. The Israeli government has promised to exhaust all resources to identify and prosecute those responsible for this heinous act. Community leaders and members from around the world are rallying in support of Kogan’s family, urging authorities to prioritize the investigation until the perpetrators are held accountable.

In the face of tragedy, the resilience of the affected communities shines through, embodying the spirit of unity in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. Efforts to remember Rabbi Kogan’s legacy, alongside calls for increased vigilance against terrorism, continue to gain momentum as the world grapples with the disturbing reality of such acts.