Chabad Shliach Missing in UAE, Mossad Dispatched

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad Shliach in Abu Dhabi, has been missing since Thursday, November 21. Israeli and Emirati authorities, including the Mossad and local security services, are currently investigating his disappearance amid suspicions of kidnapping or murder potentially linked to Iranian intelligence activities in the UAE.

By Anash.org Reporter

The hearts of yidden around the world are heavy with concern after the sudden disappearance of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, a beloved Chabad shliach and Israeli-Moldovan citizen living in the UAE. Rabbi Kogan was last seen Thursday afternoon, November 21, 2024, and since then, his whereabouts remain unknown. The case has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community and triggered urgent efforts by Israeli intelligence and local authorities.

Reports claim that his car was found abandoned in Al Ain, around 150 km from Abu Dhabi.

The Prime Minister’s Office, on behalf of the Mossad, reports that he has been missing since Thursday afternoon. Following his disappearance and indications that it may be a terrorist incident, a large-scale investigation has been launched in the UAE. Israeli intelligence and security agencies are actively involved, working tirelessly to ensure Zvi Kogan’s safety and security.

Unfortunately, reports emerging from Israel are far from reassuring. Channel 12 News shared a troubling update, raising fears that Rabbi Kogan may have been harmed “There is concern in Israel that Rabbi Tzvi Kogan was not only kidnapped but also murdered, with his killers fleeing the country (the UAE),” the report stated.

Moriah Asraf, a respected journalist, added further details “According to details held by Israeli security agencies, he was tracked by hostile terror elements affiliated with Iran. Suspicion is growing that he was murdered, likely on Wednesday. It appears that the killers managed to escape (possibly to Turkey), though it’s unclear where the body was taken.”

Kan News reported that a Mossad delegation is preparing to travel to Dubai to assist in the investigation.

In their first official response, the UAE government stressed the importance of relying on verified information “We continue searching for Tzvi Kogan, who holds Moldovan citizenship, and with whom contact was lost on Thursday. We urge the public to rely on information from official sources and not to spread misleading rumors that could sow confusion in society,” UAE officials stated.

Rabbi Kogan is well known in the UAE for his vital role in supporting Jewish life. As a representative of Chabad, he oversees all procurement for the Jewish communities in the region. His family is no stranger to mesiras nefesh. Rabbi Kogan is married to the niece of Rabbi Gabi Holtzberg HY”D, the shliach who was tragically murdered during the horrific Mumbai terror attack in 2008.

His older brother, Rabbi Reuven Kogan, is also a key figure in the UAE Jewish community. Rabbi Reuven, who is married to the sister of Rabbi Levi Duchman, the head shliach in Dubai, manages the operational and organizational needs of the local Jewish community alongside Rabbi Duchman. Together, they’ve built a flourishing Jewish presence in the region, and Rabbi Kogan’s disappearance has left everyone shaken.

As fears mount that Iranian-linked terror cells may be behind the incident, the case has become a top priority for Israeli and UAE authorities. The Mossad’s planned involvement highlights the seriousness of the investigation as every effort is being made to uncover the truth.

Please say Tehillim for the immediate and safe return of Tzvi hakohen ben Ettel.

VIDEO: Rabbi Zvi Kogan giving a tour of a Kosher store in Dubai