A Chabad-Lubavitch emissary to Abu Dhabi, Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, has been missing since Thursday afternoon, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office reported in a Hebrew-language statement. It is believed the rabbi was abducted, and there are fears about his fate. Israeli officials suspect Kogan may have been under Iranian surveillance, according to Israeli media.
Kogan is one of several Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a dual Israeli-Moldavan citizen who served in the Israel Defense Forces. He manages a kosher supermarket in Dubai and has been working as an aide to UAE Chief Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Duchman. His family said they have heard nothing from Kogan since Wednesday.
After he failed to arrive at scheduled meetings and could not be reached, hisf amily contacted the Chabad House security officer, who alerted local authorities. Israeli officials were soon notified as well.
Kogan disappeared at a site approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Dubai.
“The Prime Minister’s Office is updating on behalf of the Mossad Intelligence and Special Operations Agency and the National Security Bureau.”
“Since his disappearance, and against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country,” the statement said.
“Israeli intelligence and security agencies are working continuously out of concern for the well-being and safety of Tzvi Kogan.”
The Mossad and Israel’s National Security Council have been working with UAE authorities on the investigation. It is suspected that Kogan was kidnapped and possibly killed by abductors when then fled to Turkey, according to a report by Ynet.
“We know he was under surveillance at the supermarket. He disappeared this week, and we believe the perpetrators fled to Turkey. His body has not been found,” security officials told the news outlet.
Kogan’s family is devastated and the Israeli and Jewish communities in the Emirates are reportedly in shock.
“We are all following this situation with great worry and pray that the collaboration between Mossad and Abu Dhabi intelligence agencies will lead to his recovery,” Religious Services Minister Michael Malchieli told Ynet.
“It is imperative to enhance security around Jewish institutions and Chabad centers worldwide, especially in countries where threats are increasing,” the minister emphasized.
“It should be noted that the National Security Bureau has for some time issued a Level 3 travel warning (moderate threat) for the United Arab Emirates, and recommended avoiding non-essential travel to the destination, as well as taking increased precautions for those staying there,” the Mossad noted.
