Chabad emissary Zvi Kogan confirmed killed in UAE, body discovered by local authorities

Mossad and authorities in the Gulf country had opened the investigation based on information that Kogan's disappearance may be related to “a terrorist incident.”

By DANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD, MAYA GUR ARIEH NOVEMBER 24, 2024 08:45 Updated: NOVEMBER 24, 2024 09:08

Chabad emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan. (photo credit: Chabad/X)

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have identified the body of previously missing Chabad emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday.

Mossad and authorities in the Gulf country had opened the investigation based on information that Kogan's disappearance may be related to “a terrorist incident.”

Investigating the disappearance 

Kogan, an Israeli-Moldovan dual citizen who lives in the UAE, has been missing since Thursday.

“Israeli intelligence and security agencies are working tirelessly out of concern for Zvi Kogan’s safety and well-being,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office promised on Saturday.

Chabad emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan, November 23, 2024. (credit: via walla!)

Kogan's vehicle was discovered in a city about an hour and a half from Dubai, Ynet reported. Authorities suspect that he was abducted by three Uzbek nationals who subsequently fled to Turkey.

Information in Israel’s possession indicates that Kogan may have been under Iranian surveillance, reports said.