Body of missing rabbi found in UAE
Israel's prime minister called the incident a "criminal anti-Semitic terrorist murder." Zvi Kogan was reported missing on Thursday.
The intelligence and security authorities of the United Arab Emirates located on Sunday the body of the Moldovan-Israeli rabbi Zvi Kogan, of the Chabad sect and resident in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after reporting his disappearance on November 21. The Israeli prime minister spoke of a “criminal anti-Semitic terrorist” murder.
The UAE Foreign Ministry did not comment on the news of the discovery of the body of Kogan, who worked for an Orthodox Jewish group that seeks to build bridges between secular Jews and other currents of Judaism. The UAE branch of this group also offers support to thousands of Jews who visit or live in the country, according to its own website.
“The murder of Zvi Kogan is a criminal anti-Semitic terrorist incident. The State of Israel will act by all means and bring justice to the criminals responsible for his death,” warned a joint statement from the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Foreign Ministry. The Mossad had opened an investigation and was already treating the case as a “terrorist incident.”
They ask for precautions to be taken
“The State of Israel will not rest or remain silent until those responsible for this criminal act pay for their actions,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who also called the event “a cowardly and despicable anti-Semitic terrorist crime.” After establishing diplomatic relations in 2020, both countries have made progress in the bilateral relationship.
However, Israeli authorities recommend avoiding non-essential travel to the UAE and taking precautions, especially since October 2023, when the offensive in the Gaza Strip began, which has sparked protests in Arab countries.
Following news of Kogan's death, the National Security Headquarters (NSH) reiterated its recommendation to avoid non-essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, and issued a series of tips such as staying vigilant in public places, avoiding displaying "Israeli symbols," not posting details of the trip on social media or staying in "safe areas," among others.
DW DZC (EFE, Reuters)
