Jewish Rabbi murdered in UAE, Israel calls it a terrorist attack, 3 suspects arrested.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have arrested three people involved in the murder of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the Gulf country. The ministry statement did not provide further details about the suspects' identities or their role in the killing. But it said the ministry will use all legal powers to respond "without hesitation and decisively" to any action or attempt that threatens social stability.

Let us tell you that Kogan (28) worked for the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad in the UAE. He disappeared in Dubai on Thursday. Israeli officials said on Sunday that Kogan's body was found in the Emirati city of Al Ain, bordering Oman, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Abu Dhabi.

The car was found abandoned.

According to media reports, Kogan's car was found abandoned in Al Ain. Sources are saying that signs of struggle have been found in the vehicle. The report says that authorities suspect that several Uzbek citizens recruited by Iran attacked the rabbi and later fled to Turkey.

Anti-Semitic terrorist attack

Israel has described the killing as an anti-Semitic terrorist attack. The UAE's US ambassador, Yousef Al Otaiba, said in a statement posted on Twitter that the US mourns Rabbi Kogan. Kogan's murder is an attack on our homeland, our values ​​, and our vision.

The body will be sent to Israel.

An Israeli Foreign Ministry official said Kogan's body was expected to be returned to Israel today. The UAE statement said that after Kogan's family reported him missing, an investigation was launched, leading to the arrests in record time. The statement said that the full findings of the investigation would be announced once it is completed.

The statement said, the UAE, with all its institutions, will spare no effort to prevent any attack on its citizens and residents. All security agencies work around the clock to safeguard the stability of society. The UAE statement said that Kogan had entered the UAE on his Moldovan passport and was a resident there.

President condemns the killing.

President Isaac Herzog condemned the killing and thanked Emirati authorities for their swift action. He said he would work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice. Late Sunday, the White House called the killing a horrific crime against all who stand for peace.

National Security Spokesperson Sean Savet said in a statement, it was also an attack on the UAE and its complete rejection of violent extremism. He said that the US is in contact with Emirati and Israeli officials and is offering its support. The spokesperson praised the UAE for quickly arresting several suspects and called for holding those responsible fully accountable.

Chabad said, "We are confident that the UAE, together with the countries of the region, will bring the perpetrators to justice and hold all those involved accountable for this sin." He urged all the countries where his ambassadors are working, to ensure that terrorism does not find any safe haven within their borders. Iran's embassy in Abu Dhabi said in a statement on Sunday that Tehran categorically rejects allegations of Iran's involvement in the murder of this man.

In Abu Dhabi from 2020

Kogan was an Israeli-Moldovan citizen who was reportedly serving in the Givati ​​Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces. He was part of the Abu Dhabi Chabad chapter since Israel normalised ties with the UAE under the US-brokered Abraham Accords in late 2020.

According to Chabad, Kogan worked alongside Chief Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Duchman to expand Jewish life in the UAE, including ensuring the widespread availability of kosher food and opening the first Jewish educational center in the country.

Kogan's wife Rivki joined him after their marriage in 2022. She is the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was killed along with his wife in the 2008 terror attack at Nariman House in Mumbai. Kogan attended the first-ever Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony in the Gulf state in 2021 and led the Yizkor prayer during the event.

Travel warning issued

Israeli authorities have reiterated their recommendation against all non-essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, saying visitors should minimise their visits, stay in safe areas and avoid visiting places associated with Israel and the Jewish population.

Israelis have been attracted to Dubai for commerce and tourism since diplomatic ties were established between the emirate and Israel in 2020 under a US-brokered agreement known as the Abraham Accords.

Number of Jews in the UAE

The UAE has a rapidly growing Jewish community, with synagogues and businesses serving kosher food. It has maintained ties forged through the Abraham Accords during the 13-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. However, Hamas attacks on Israeli communities on 7 October 2023 have killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and triggered the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has sparked protests around the world.

Members of the Jewish community in the United Arab Emirates reported that unofficial synagogues in Dubai were closed due to security concerns after the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Jews were gathering at home to pray. The only government-run synagogue in the UAE is in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. There is no official synagogue in Dubai, the largest city and commercial center of the UAE. There are no official figures available on the number of Jews or Israelis living in the country, but Jewish groups estimate the community to be in the several thousand.