Sun Nov 24 15:47:13 UTC 2024: ## Israeli Rabbi Murdered in Dubai: UAE Arrests Three Suspects
**Dubai, UAE –** An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi, Zvi Kogan, 28, was found murdered in Dubai, the UAE, sparking international outrage and prompting the UAE to arrest three suspects. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the killing as a “heinous antisemitic terror incident,” while the UAE’s Interior Ministry confirmed the arrests and stated that an investigation is underway.
Kogan, who managed a kosher grocery store in Dubai, had been missing since Thursday. His death comes amidst heightened regional tensions following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza and Lebanon. These actions have fueled anger among some in the UAE.
While the Emirati government initially referred to Kogan only as Moldovan, Israeli officials confirmed his Israeli citizenship and condemned the killing. President Isaac Herzog thanked the UAE for their swift action in apprehending suspects and expressed confidence in their pursuit of justice. Israel has also issued a warning against non-essential travel to the UAE.
Kogan’s kosher grocery store, Rimon Market, was reportedly vandalized, with mezuzahs removed from the doors. The store is now closed. Kogan was an emissary of the Chabad Lubavitch movement. His wife, a U.S. citizen, is the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was killed in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The U.S. National Security Council also condemned the murder, calling it a “horrific crime.” While Israel’s statement did not directly implicate Iran, past Iranian intelligence operations in the UAE and Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah raise concerns.
The UAE, however, has reiterated its commitment to safety, stability, and tolerance. Senior Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash emphasized the UAE’s commitment to these ideals on social media. Local Jewish officials in the UAE have declined to comment. The investigation continues.
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