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Board of Deputies and Chief Rabbi condemn ‘despicable, senseless’ murder of UAE rabbi
Chabad UK also paid tribute to Zvi Kogan, who was found murdered outside Abu Dhabi
November 24, 2024 11:20
Chabad UK also paid tribute to Zvi Kogan, who was found murdered outside Abu Dhabi
November 24, 2024 11:20The Board of Deputies has condemned the “despicable” murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the Chabad emissary to Abu Dhabi, whose body was found early on Sunday.
In a statement, the Board said, “Our hearts are broken at the news…
“Rabbi Kogan was a religious leader, who, like many Chabad emissaries, went to a distant land to serve his community with warmth and selflessness. His abduction and murder is a truly despicable act.”
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said “the senseless murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan is 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.
“Rabbi Kogan dedicated his life to fostering understanding and connection between people of different faiths and cultures. His work reflected the best of our shared traditions, and his absence will be deeply felt by those whose lives he touched.”
Rabbi Mirvis, who has been active in fostering interfaith relations in the UAE, said, “This heinous act of terror also strikes at the heart of everything that the remarkable story of the young Emirati Jewish community has come to embody: a society built on mutual respect, tolerance, and peace.
“That story has been made possible because of the unwavering commitment of the UAE government to these principles, and I know from my own engagement with its religious and political leaders, just how heavily this tragedy will weigh upon them as well.
“No act of evil will deter us from uniting against the forces of darkness that seek to divide us.
“May his memory be for a blessing.”
Chabad Lubavitch UK said they were mourning the loss of their colleague with “broken hearts and profound sorrow”.
The organisation said, “As we grieve this unimaginable loss we reaffirm our commitment to ensure the light of Judaism and the Jewish people shines even brighter,” appealing to athe public to “take a moment to put on tefillin, give tzedakah, and strengthen your commitment to Jewish unity”.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the killing of the rabbi, who was reported missing on Thursday night, but the Board said it was “believed that he was murdered by terrorists working for the Iranian regime”.
The Israeli newspaper Ynet reported that according to an “initial probe” three Uzbek nationals followed Rabbi Kogan from the kosher supermarket he managed in Abu Dhabi. It was common for Uzbek operatives to be used by Iran, the newspaper said.
There were signs of a struggle inside Rabbi Kogan’s car which was found on the island of Al Ain, around 90 miles from Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, the Board said, “This terrible act underscores the fact that for the Iranian regime, Jews living in other countries are seen as targets.
“Two years ago Britain’s Security Minister stood up in the House of Commons and confirmed that the Iranian Regime had made a list of prominent Jewish people in the UK to target in the event of war with Israel.
“We will be redoubling our efforts, alongside other communal organisations, in calling for the full proscription of the regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”
Rabbi Kogan, 28, was born to a Charedi family in Jerusalem and served in the IDF. After becoming closer to Chabad, he was sent to the United Arab Emirates to assist Rabbi Levi Druchman in developing Jewish life there.
The grandfather of his wife, Rivky Spielman, whom he married six years ago, came from Manchester.