How Jews in the UAE react to shocking murder of Chabad rabbi

Jewish leaders in the United Arab Emirates have vowed resilience in the face of tragedy following the killing of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, whose body was discovered on Sunday, sparking a criminal investigation. Three suspects are currently in custody.

“This is a nightmare and a tragedy,” said Chief Rabbi Yehuda Sarna of the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. In an interview, he added: “None of us could have imagined that this attack could take place.”

Rabbi Kogan, 28, was a Chabad rabbi based in Dubai and ran the kosher supermarket Rimon Market, which was recently targeted by anti-Israel online reviews. Mezuzahs attached to store doors were reportedly forcibly removed.

Rabbi Zvi Kogan celebrates Sukkot in Dubai 2021. The rabbi was found dead last week and three suspects have been arrested in connection with his death. (Photo by Andrea DiCenzo/Getty Images)

Ross Kriel, a prominent Jewish leader in the UAE, shared personal memories of Kogan: “When I check my messages to Zvi, they are a mix of wedding invitations for his wedding to Rivky in 2022, orders of Arba’ah Minim (the components that… make up the lulav and the etrog for Sukkot) and schnitzels and the sharing of Torah verses needed for this or that occasion… How I wish I could message Zvi now to thank him one more time.”

The attack has heightened security concerns in the UAE, which has had stable relations with Israel since the Abraham Accords were signed in 2020. Rabbi Sarna, who was instrumental in establishing Jewish life in the Emirates, sought to reassure the community by describing the UAE as a “safe place” where “security is tight.”

“After this incident, I am sure precautionary measures will be taken that were not taken before,” Sarna said. “Despite the fear we are experiencing in the short term, there will be a strong recovery.”

However, Jewish leaders noted that life in the Gulf has changed significantly since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. “We held back,” Sarna added, revealing that he no longer wears a kippah in public and opted for a baseball cap instead.

Kosher restaurants in the UAE lacked visible Jewish symbols, he added. “You have to know where they are.”

Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, a former senior leader of the Emirates Jewish Council, confirmed that many Israelis returned to Israel after the violence in October, partly for security reasons. “The government was concerned about the safety of the Jewish people and asked us to be much quieter so as not to stir up hostility,” he told Israel National News last month.

Still, Kriel emphasized community resilience and emphasized support from friends and government officials. “They are as shocked and hurt as we are and are committed to the safety of UAE residents and visitors,” he said.

He added: “There is no choice but to continue the humble and noble efforts to build Jewish life in the UAE that Tzvi and Rivky so beautifully embody.” With God’s grace, we will continue to be a cause for hope and optimism , as poignant as it may be after Tzvi’s tragic death.”