Rabbi Kogan, who was missing for several days, was reportedly being followed by Iranian intelligence.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
UAE authorities confirmed the death of Abu Dhabi Chabad rabbi Zvi Logan on Sunday.
Rabbi Kogan, who was missing for several days, was reportedly being followed by Iranian intelligence.
On the news of his death, the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement:”The murder of Zvi Kogan is a heinous antisemitic act of terror.”
“The State of Israel will employ all means necessary to bring those criminals responsible for his death to justice,” the statement continued.
The incident is being investigated by the Mossad and United Arab Emirates intelligence agencies.
Rabbi Kogan was an assistant to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Duchman, Chief Rabbi of the United Arab Emirates.
Rabbi Kogan and Rabbi Duchman were in Israel until Tuesday, when they met with Yossi Shelley, the next Israeli ambassador to the UAE.
According to intelligence reports, Rabbi Kogan was followed by three Uzbeks who were hired by Iran and followed him from where he was working in Abu Dhabi’s kosher supermarket.
It is believed the Uzbeks fled to Turkey, and Kogan’s car was found a half-an-hour’s drive away from Dubai.
A source close to the Emirati authorities told Channel 12, “The disappearance of Chabad emissary Zvi Kogan has sparked widespread shock and anger, coming after several years without any significant security incidents or nationalist unrest. The government is working to resolve the mystery and deliver positive news. Senior religious leaders, along with government officials, are collaborating to verify the details of the incident and bring clarity.”
According to i24 News, Rabbi Kogan’s wife reported his disappearance to security authorities after he failed to show up to several meetings.
Rabbi Kogan is married to the niece of Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg who was murdered along with his wife Rivka in Mumbai by Pakistani terrorists 16 years ago.
It was reported that Rabbi Kogan’s vehicle received a speeding ticket in Oman, but the authorities in Oman and the UAE did not take action after this suspicious event.
According to According to Bhol, there is likely video footage of the kidnapping because of the multitude of security cameras in the UAE.
Kogan’s older brother, Rabbi Reuven Kogan, is brother-in-law to Rabbi Levi Duchman, head Chabad-Lubavitch emissary in Dubai.
On Saturday evening the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released a statement: “Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan citizen and Chabad emissary residing in the United Arab Emirates, has been missing since Thursday afternoon (November 21, 2024),” the PMO wrote.
The statement continued, “Following his disappearance and based on information suggesting a possible terror incident, a thorough investigation has been initiated in the country.”
“Israeli intelligence and security agencies are working relentlessly out of concern for the safety and well-being of Zvi Kogan,” the PMO continued.
The Prime Minister’s Office also highlighted that the National Security Council had previously issued a Level 3 travel warning (moderate threat) for the United Arab Emirates, urging against non-essential travel and recommending increased precautions for those currently in the country.