As the heartbreaking news of the tragic murder of Shliach Rabbi Zvi Kogan emerged, Chabad spokesmen, government officials, and a Chief Rabbi offered their heartfelt condolences. They also urged Chabad Shluchim worldwide to remain steadfast and undeterred, continuing their vital Shlichus with unwavering dedication and strength.
By Anash.org Reporter
As the heartbreaking news of the tragic murder of Shliach Rabbi Zvi Kogan emerged, Chabad spokesmen, government officials, and a Chief Rabbi offered their heartfelt condolences. They also urged Chabad Shluchim worldwide to remain steadfast and undeterred, continuing their vital Shlichus with unwavering dedication and strength.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the start of the Government meeting today, made the following remarks:
“At the start of my remarks, I would like to express deep outrage – on behalf of myself, all members of the Government, all citizens of Israel and the entire Jewish people – over the abduction and murder of Zvi Kogan, may G-d avenge him.”
“This murder was carried out in the UAE. The murder of an Israeli citizen and a Chabad emissary, is an abhorrent antisemitic terrorist attack.”
“On your behalf, I also send heartfelt condolences to the Kogan family. The State of Israel will use all means, and will deal with these murderers, and those who dispatched them, to the fullest extent of the law. None of them will get away.”
“I greatly appreciate the cooperation of the UAE in investigating the murder. We will strengthen the ties between us in the face of attempts by the axis of evil to harm the relationship of peace between us. We will strengthen them and we will work to expand regional stability.”
The Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef, addressed Shluchim around the world in a video published on Sunday and sent support after the murder of Chabad Shliach Rabbi Zvi Kogen in Abu Dhabi.
“I turn to all Chabad Shluchim in every place,” Rabbi Yosef opened. “Unfortunately, we are all in terrible mourning and pain over the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogen, may G-d avenge his blood, who gave his life for the people of Israel.”
He added: “All Chabad Shluchim everywhere are doing holy work. Thanks to them thousands and thousands are eating kosher. In many places, there is no kosher food and they save the people from Israel from eating treif (not kosher). They bring Yidishkeit, they bring Judaism to every place. They bring Hashems’s word, praise be to them.”
Addressing the Shluchim, he stated: “Please, don’t be despondent, be strong and brave, keep up your holy work. I know from up close and am aware of your holy work in every place. There is nothing in the world like the great project of Chabad Shluchim who teach Torah and spread the name of Hashem everywhere.
“Continue, with Hashem’s help, your holy work, and Hashem will protect you from all trouble and distress. Hashem will guard you against the haters of Israel and you will merit to continue sanctifying Heaven’s name in public and to increase Torah and holiness among the people of Israel, Amen so be it,” he concluded.
Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky from Chabad World Headquarters said in a statement:
“The worldwide Chabad community and the international Jewish community at large are shocked, grieving, and outraged. Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a young Chabad emissary, was kidnapped and murdered in cold blood last week while serving the Jewish community in the UAE. “
“Rabbi Kogan moved to UAE with his wife Rivky to answer a calling of service, only for his life to be cut short by terrorists. We trust that the UAE will work with the countries in the region to bring the perpetrators to justice, and hold all those involved accountable for this act of sheer evil.”
“Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries serve in countries around the globe in a spirit of generosity and kindness. Wherever they are stationed to grow and sustain Jewish life, they benefit the larger community as well with their love and light for all humanity. “
“It is incumbent upon the authorities of every country where Chabad representatives serve in good faith, to ensure that terror finds no haven within its borders. The targeting of Rabbi Kogan was an attempt to destroy the sacred Jewish values that he represented: light, goodness and kindness.”
“No country, no community, no society can afford the loss of these sustaining values.
“Rabbi Kogan, 28, will be laid to rest in Israel. We mourn with his wife and family, and with the entire Chabad community. May G-d console them, and may they find solace in his legacy.”
Rabbi Avraham Shemtov from Aguch penned a letter addressed to shluchim and their families:
“To our dear and precious Shluchim and their families—our brothers and friends,
Greetings and blessings. We were heartbroken to hear of the tragic murder of the Shliach of the Rebbe, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda ז״ל, who was killed al kiddush Hashem at the entrance of his home and headquarters.”
“Together, we express our deep pain and grief. We strengthen the hands of the bereaved family and the entire community of Shluchim in Eretz HaKodesh and throughout the world, and we pray for the healing of the wounded. With heartfelt prayer and an outcry to hasten the coming of the Geulah—Ad Mosai?”
“May we all strengthen ourselves and one another, to continue the work in our respective places with greater vigor and dedication, spreading the light of the world and the Kingship of Hashem, thereby hastening the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days, Amen!”
Minister of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, Meir Porush: “The people of Israel are pained by the murder of the Chabad shliach in the United Arab Emirates, Rabbi Tzvi Kogan. He acted on behalf of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to help Jews in a significant way, and he has many rights to do so. We must learn the lessons from this grave and terrible incident and ensure the safety and security of Chabad emissaries around the world.”
Minister of Aliyah and Absorption, Ofir Sofer: “Our hearts ache to hear the devastating news of the discovery of the body of the Chabad Shliach, Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, who was kidnapped and murdered while on his mission for the people of Israel in the United Arab Emirates. I send my deepest condolences and a warm embrace to Rabbi Tzvi’s family and to all the dedicated Chabad emissaries who do holy work for the Jewish people all over the world. The State of Israel must act decisively and ensure that a heavy price will be exacted for this terrible murder. We will reach the perpetrators of the crime and settle accounts with them.”
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman wrote: “The late Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a dedicated Chabad shliach and a man who worked to spread Jewish values, love of Israel and strengthen Jewish communities, was brutally murdered in the United Arab Emirates. His tragic death evokes deep sorrow. His legacy and great work will continue to inspire us all. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Chabad community around the world. May his memory be blessed.”
VIDEO:
Discussion
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.