US condemns murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in UAE

Washington: After his corpse was found on Sunday, the United States denounced the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates. In the Arab countries, he had been gone since Thursday. In a statement, the US National Security Council spokeswoman offered condolences to the Jewish community, the Chabad-Lubavitch community, Rabbi Kogan’s family, and everyone else grieving his passing.

The US emphasized that the death was an assault on the UAE’s position against violent extremism and called it a crime against peace, tolerance, and coexistence. “The government has confirmed that it is working with Israeli and UAE authorities and has extended assistance where needed,” the statement said.

“The murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the United Arab Emirates is strongly condemned, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Chabad-Lubavitch community, the larger Jewish world, and everyone else who is grieving his passing. This was a heinous act against everyone who supports harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Additionally, it was an attack on the United Arab Emirates and its stance against violent extremism in general. The United States has provided all necessary types of assistance and is closely coordinating with the authorities in Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

We applaud the UAE authorities’ prompt actions, which have resulted in the arrest of suspects. The statement said, “Those responsible for this crime, as well as those who assisted them, must be held completely accountable.”

Kogan served in Abu Dhabi as an outreach rabbi for the Chabad organization. The 28-year-old Kogan operated a kosher food shop in addition to his outreach. His wife, a US citizen, is his surviving spouse.

Israel issued a warning to its people to refrain from non-essential travel to the United Arab Emirates after the corpse of the missing Israeli-Moldovan rabbi was found on Sunday.

The National Security Council (NSC) of Israel has previously rated the country’s danger level to Israeli citizens as “moderate.” The NSC advised Israelis to be cautious in public places, refrain from openly displaying Israeli or Jewish symbols, and refrain from posting trip information on social media.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog posted on social networking site X, saying, “This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people.”

“It won’t stop us from building thriving communities in the UAE or anyplace else—especially with the tireless efforts and devotion of the Chabad ambassadors throughout the globe…I appreciate the UAE authorities’ prompt response and have faith that they would put in endless effort to bring the offenders to justice,” he said.

The murderers are believed to be Uzbek nationals who escaped to Turkey and worked for Iran, according to sources in the Israeli media. Israel has issued travel advisories for nations around the Middle East amid a significant increase in assaults against Israeli and Jewish targets globally following the October 7 atrocities carried out by Hamas.