Zvi Kogan, a 28-year-old Israeli/Moldovan rabbi disappeared in Dubai on the 21st of November. His body was found days later on the 24th of November in the city of Al Ain on the border between the United Arab Emirates and Oman, over 130km away from his last known location. 

Born in Israel, Kogan later relocated to the UAE, working for the Orthodox Jewish Organisation, Chabad Lubavitch, in Abu Dhabi. Kogan served as the assistant to Levi Duchman, Chief Rabbi of the UAE, helping to explain Judaism and expand Jewish life within the country. 

On Thursday 21st November, authorities were alerted of Kogan’s disappearance, following his absence at scheduled meetings, and his wife’s inability to contact him. Following suspicions Kogan had been kidnapped, Israeli intelligence agency Mossad became involved with the case. On Sunday morning, due to the collaborative efforts of several countries’ intelligence agencies, Kogan’s body, alongside his abandoned car, were discovered in Al Ain. 

Three suspects, aged from 28-33, were arrested in Istanbul following a Turkish secret intelligence operation, who were acting on a request from the UAE government. Following the arrest, the UAE interior released images of the suspects, handcuffed and blindfolded. The suspects have been extradited to the UAE, where they will stand trial. Several Jewish newspapers claim it is likely they will receive the death sentence.

Amid heavy downpour, hundreds gathered in Jerusalem to attend Kogan’s funeral. His father, Alex Kogan spoke, claiming ‘Zvi was innocent, and that’s how he arrives in heaven.’ Tributes have poured in for the Rabbi. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described Zvi’s passing as ‘not only a devastating blow to his family and the Jewish community in the UAE, but to all who cherish the values of peace, respect and coexistence.’ 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled Kogan’s murder a ‘heinous antisemitic terror incident’ and vowed the murderers will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

The investigation is still underway. So far, no details of the killing have been released, or motive for the murder identified. Israel’s Haaretz newspaper claimed Emirati security sources believe an organisation ‘indirectly operated by Iran’ was responsible. However, the Iranian embassy in the UAE claimed it ‘categorically rejects allegations’ of any involvement.

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