Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Photo: Channel 7.
Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, one of the assistants to Chief Rabbi Levi Yitzhak Dohman, has disappeared in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, causing concern among the Jewish community. Contact with the rabbi was lost on 20 November, and there are serious fears that he has fallen victim to hostile forces. It is suspected that he was persecuted, abducted, and possibly killed. This was reported by the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing Israel’s Channel 7.
Potentially a terrorist act
The loss of contact with Rabbi Tzvi Kogan caused a wave of anxiety, as suspicions arose that he had been followed. Recent reports indicate that this may be part of a more complex operation that has a terrorist nature. Israeli sources claim that Kogan was targeted because of his location and status as a Chabad emissary in the United Arab Emirates.
Suspicions of a possible terrorist attack arose after the Mossad confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the rabbi’s disappearance. Security services are working on various versions of what could have happened and are not ruling out any scenario, including kidnapping and even murder.
Actions of the Israeli special services
As soon as it became known that Tzvi Kogan had disappeared, Israeli intelligence services, including the Mossad, began an active investigation. At the same time, Israeli diplomats are negotiating with the local authorities of the United Arab Emirates to provide the most effective support in the search for the rabbi. It is known that Israeli security services are working on all possible versions of what happened, and it is already clear that Kogan’s disappearance is not a random incident, but part of a more serious situation.
Reaction of the family and local authorities
The rabbi’s family also confirmed that they had not been in contact with him for several days. They express deep concern about his fate, having no information about his whereabouts. The authorities of the United Arab Emirates are currently actively working with the Israeli security services to clarify the circumstances of the disappearance and provide support to the family. However, despite all efforts, the situation will remain tense until more information is received.
Warning for travellers
In the context of the incident, it should also be noted that the US Department of Homeland Security issued a travel warning several months ago about the increased level of threat in the United Arab Emirates. It is recommended to avoid unnecessary travel to the region and to take increased security measures for those already in the country.
This disappearance shows how vulnerable even well-protected places where important religious interests are preserved can be, and demonstrates how dangerous such global tensions can be.
