A tragic event has shaken the Middle East: the disappearance and discovery of the body of Zvi Kogan, an Israeli citizen living in the United Arab Emirates. The case, which Israeli authorities have described as an “anti-Semitic terrorist act,” has deeply shocked the international community.
Zvi Kogan, a Moldovan-Israeli citizen and representative of the Chabad religious movement, had been missing since Thursday afternoon. His body was finally found by the authorities in the United Arab Emirates, sparking outrage and condemnation.
In a joint statement on Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Foreign Ministry called the murder of Zvi Kogan a “heinous anti-Semitic terrorist crime.” Israel said it would use all necessary means to bring those responsible to justice.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also condemned the act as “cowardly and heinous, characterized by anti-Semitic terror.”
Prior to this tragedy, the Prime Minister’s Office had already issued a recommendation to Israeli citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to the UAE. This case raises questions about the safety and security of Israeli citizens abroad.
Zvi Kogan was a strong advocate for the spread of Judaism in the UAE, helping to establish the region’s first Jewish education center and to promote kosher food. His commitment to his community and religious tolerance was praised by many in the international community.
Zvi Kogan’s wife, Rivky, an American citizen, is now facing a terrible ordeal. Her uncle, Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, lost his life in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, highlighting once again the tragic link between terrorism and the Jewish community.
This case has touched an entire community, reminding us of the need to fight against anti-Semitism and terrorism, two scourges that threaten peace and security throughout the world. In honoring the memory of Zvi Kogan, we must also continue his fight for justice, tolerance and peace among peoples.