The Media Line: Chabad Rabbi Vanishes in UAE Under Suspicious Circumstances

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Chabad Rabbi Vanishes in UAE Under Suspicious Circumstances

By The Media Line Staff

Israeli and Emirati authorities are investigating the disappearance of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary based in Abu Dhabi, who has been missing since Wednesday or Thursday, according to conflicting reports. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced that the Mossad, in collaboration with United Arab Emirates intelligence agencies, is treating the incident as a potential terror attack.

Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan citizen, resided in the UAE, where he managed a supermarket and was active in Chabad outreach efforts. Israeli media reports suggest he may have been under Iranian surveillance prior to his disappearance, fueling concerns that he was kidnapped or murdered by foreign terrorists.

Kogan’s family has reported no contact with him in recent days, and authorities have not yet confirmed his whereabouts or condition. While some reports speculated that Kogan had been killed, officials said that these claims were unsubstantiated.

The PMO emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Israeli intelligence and security agencies are working tirelessly out of concern for Zvi Kogan’s safety and well-being.” The statement also referenced a prior National Security Council warning advising Israelis to avoid nonessential travel to the UAE due to moderate security threats.

This incident highlights rising security concerns in the Gulf region, where tensions involving Iran remain high. Kogan, a former Israeli soldier married to an American woman, had become a well-known figure in the local Jewish community. Efforts to locate him continue as both Israeli and Emirati authorities intensify their investigations.