Kushners donate millions to Chabad Abu Dhabi after rabbi’s murder | The Jewish Press – JewishPress.com | Max Yellow | 25 Heshvan 5785 – Tuesday November 26, 2024

Photo credit: Erik Marmor / Flash 90

The Kushner brothers have announced they will donate $2 million to the Chabad House in Abu Dhabi following the kidnapping and murder of Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan of the United Arab Emirates last week.

The rabbi was buried in Jerusalem on Monday evening after a heartbreaking funeral at Kfar Chabad. Thousands accompanied him on his final journey in pouring rain and cold.

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, son-in-law and daughter of President-elect Donald Trump, pledged Monday that they would donate $1 million to Chabad in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the killing of Rabbi Kogan.

“Ivanka and I are saddened by the loss of Rabbi Kogan, who was senselessly murdered to destroy the historic bridges he built between Jews and Muslims in the UAE,” Kushner said. “The success of his work, in collaboration with the bold and positive vision of the Emirati government, has been a shining light in the world and a strong counterpoint to the history of division.”

“In the UAE, people of all faiths and backgrounds thrive together in an environment of mutual understanding and respect. Ivanka and I will donate $1 million to the Chabad of the United Arab Emirates and redouble our efforts to work with the Jewish community and the country’s leadership to build a resilient, vibrant Jewish community in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We warmly welcome others to join us in this effort,” he added.

Addressing “all who seek to exacerbate these historic divisions,” Kushner said, “Know that your efforts only strengthen the Jewish community’s resolve to contribute to societies that respect and welcome us.” The story has shown that those who embrace the Jewish people benefit and those who persecute the Jewish people ultimately suffer spectacular defeat.”

In response, Jared’s brother Joshua Kushner and his wife Karlie also donated $1 million to Chabad of the United Arab Emirates, saying they were “inspired” by Jared and Ivanka’s leadership.

“Karlie and I will match your $1 million donation. May we live in a time of peace, unity and acceptance. May Rabbi Kogan’s memory be a blessing,” Kushner said.

A separate campaign aims to raise $1 million for Rivky Kogan, Rabbi Kogan’s widow. In just a few hours, more than $783,000 was raised, including an $18,000 donation from Jewish-American billionaire Bill Ackman.

“Rabbi Zvi Kogan was murdered for a reason. He was Jewish. As his wife grieves, it is our duty to support her and give her the strength she needs to carry on. Together we can honor Rabbi Zvi’s legacy. Help Rivky spread his light further!” The Raisethon.com Electoral states.

The three terrorists who kidnapped and murdered the rabbi, Uzbek citizens, have been extradited from Turkey to the United Arab Emirates, where they face the death penalty.