An Israeli rabbi who had gone missing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was found murdered on Sunday, a crime Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned as a “heinous antisemitic terrorist act.”
Zvi Kogan, a representative of the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad, disappeared in Dubai last Thursday. His body was later discovered in the Emirati city of Al Ain, near the Omani border. Kogan, who supported Jewish residents and visitors in the UAE, was known for fostering religious life in the region.
Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed justice, stating, “The state of Israel will use all means at its disposal to bring the criminals responsible for his death to justice.”
While Israeli Druze politician Ayoob Kara, a member of the ruling Likud party, linked the murder to Iranian-backed terrorism, Emirati and Israeli authorities have yet to confirm details about the perpetrators or motive. Kara suggested the investigation pointed to Iran’s involvement, though official Emirati sources have not substantiated these claims.
Kogan’s remains are expected to be repatriated to Israel once Emirati authorities conclude their investigation. Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Interior has launched a probe into the disappearance, though the country’s foreign ministry has not commented on the discovery of Kogan’s body.
UAE Reaffirms Stance On Stability and Tolerance
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to coexistence in a social media post, describing the UAE as an “oasis of stability” without directly referencing the killing.
Since 2020, when the UAE normalized relations with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, the Jewish community in the UAE has grown more visible. However, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has strained public sentiment, leading to reduced visibility of Jewish life in the UAE.
Following the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which escalated the Gaza conflict, Israeli authorities reissued warnings against non-essential travel to the UAE. Visitors were advised to limit movements and avoid locations associated with Israel or Jewish populations.
Jewish Community Reacts
The UAE’s Jewish and Israeli community expressed shock and grief over Kogan’s murder. Informal synagogues in Dubai have remained closed since October 7 for security reasons, with Jewish worshippers choosing to gather privately. The government-approved synagogue in Abu Dhabi, however, remains open.
Despite the tragedy, Kara expressed confidence that ties between Israel and the UAE would endure. “I am sure that lots of Jewish [people] will continue to invest here. No way to stop this relationship and this cooperation,” he said.
The UAE has been a crucial partner for Israel in the Gulf region, maintaining diplomatic ties even as the conflict in Gaza intensifies. Yet, this incident underscores the fragile nature of regional relations amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Estimates suggest that several thousand Jews and Israelis reside in the UAE, though exact numbers remain unknown. While the community grapples with the loss of Kogan, its members remain hopeful about sustaining their presence in the Gulf.
(With inputs from Reuters)
