Chabad Emissary In UAE Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered By Terrorists

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary in Abu Dhabi who is the assistant of UAE chief rabbi Levi Duchman, has been missing for several days amid suspicions that he was kidnapped or possibly murdered in what is feared to be a terror attack coordinated by Iran.

Israeli security officials are coordinating efforts with Emirati authorities, who are leading the investigation. The officials told Ynet that Rabbi Kogan was last seen at the kosher supermarket he managed. “We know he was under surveillance at the supermarket. He disappeared this week, and we believe the perpetrators fled to Turkey. His body has not been found,” the officials said.

Kogan’s car was found abandoned in the city of El-Ain,  an hour and a half’s drive from Dubai. His phone was off, and officials believe that three Uzbeki terrorists acting on behalf of Iran are responsible for his kidnapping and possible murder.

The Prime Minister’s Office, on behalf of the Mossad, issued a statement: “Zvi Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan citizen and Chabad emissary residing in the United Arab Emirates, has been missing since Thursday afternoon. Following his disappearance and based on information suggesting a terrorist event, an intensive investigation has been launched in the UAE.

“Israeli intelligence and security agencies are working tirelessly out of concern for his safety and well-being. It should be noted that the National Security Council previously issued a Level 3 travel warning (moderate threat) for the UAE, advising against non-essential travel and recommending heightened precautions for those currently in the country.”

Kogan’s family reported they had not heard from him since Wednesday. After he failed to attend scheduled meetings and could not be reached, his wife contacted the Chabad House’s security officer, who alerted local authorities. Israeli officials were subsequently notified.

Kogan’s wife is a niece of Rav Gavriel Holzberg HYD who was murdered in a terrorist attack in Mumbai in 2009.

An Israeli living in Abu Dhabi who knew Kogan described him as “a kind man who was very active in the community. His family is devastated, and the Israeli and Jewish communities are in shock. Kogan was an aide to the chief rabbi of Chabad in the UAE and also founded and managed the community’s kosher supermarket.”

Israeli Religious Services Minister Michael Malchieli expressed concern, saying, “We are all following this situation with great worry and pray that the collaboration between Mossad and Abu Dhabi intelligence agencies will lead to his recovery. At the same time, we support all Chabad emissaries worldwide who are doing holy work to assist Jews globally. It is imperative to enhance security around Jewish institutions and Chabad centers worldwide, especially in countries where threats are increasing.”

The incident comes four years after the UAE signed the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations with Israel alongside Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

Please pray for the welfare of Tzvi Hakohen Ben Ettel