An Israeli rabbi who had gone missing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been found murdered, prompting condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who labelled the killing a “heinous antisemitic terrorist act.”
The victim, Zvi Kogan, was a rabbi affiliated with the Orthodox Jewish Chabad movement and had been working in the UAE.
He was reported missing in Dubai on Thursday, and his body was later discovered under circumstances that remain unclear. Kogan also held Moldovan citizenship.
In a statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to pursue justice, saying, “The state of Israel will use all means at its disposal to bring the criminals responsible for his death to justice.”
The UAE foreign ministry has not commented on the discovery of Kogan’s body. Chabad’s UAE branch also declined to issue a statement.
Chabad is a global organisation that works to connect with non-affiliated Jews and other Jewish denominations. In the UAE, the group supports thousands of Jewish residents and visitors.
Heightened Travel Warnings
Following Kogan’s murder, Israeli authorities reiterated their advice against non-essential travel to the UAE.
Visitors in the country were urged to minimise movement, stay in secure areas, and avoid venues associated with Israel or Jewish communities.
The warnings come amid heightened security concerns following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israeli communities, which triggered the ongoing Gaza conflict. The attack and its aftermath have fueled global protests and increased risks for Israeli and Jewish communities worldwide.
Jewish Presence in UAE Under Scrutiny
Since formalising ties with Israel in 2020 under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, the UAE has seen a growing and more visible Jewish community. However, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has strained this visibility.
Informal synagogues in Dubai closed after Oct. 7 due to security concerns, and Jewish worship now takes place in small, private gatherings. The only government-approved synagogue in Abu Dhabi remains open.
Jewish leaders estimate the community in the UAE numbers several thousand, although official statistics are unavailable. Jews have practised their faith discreetly in the UAE for decades, with formal acknowledgement of their presence beginning in 2019.
The killing of Rabbi Kogan has cast a shadow over the safety and visibility of Jews and Israelis in the Gulf Arab nation. Authorities in both Israel and the UAE are expected to intensify efforts to address security concerns following this tragic incident.
