The body of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, the Chabad emissary murdered near Dubai last week, is being flown to Israel through efforts coordinated by ZAKA's International Unit and UAE Chabad representatives. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon arrival.
Rabbi Kogan disappeared Thursday after driving to Al Ain, about 90 minutes from Dubai, where his abandoned vehicle was discovered. UAE authorities have arrested three Uzbek nationals suspected of carrying out what investigators believe was an Iranian-directed operation. The suspects could face capital punishment under UAE law.
ZAKA, Israel's primary emergency response and recovery organization, specializes in ensuring proper religious handling of Jewish victims in disasters and terror attacks worldwide. Their International Unit has been crucial in coordinating with UAE authorities during this sensitive investigation.
The murder has sent shockwaves through both the UAE's Jewish community and diplomatic circles, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. Rabbi Kogan had managed the kosher grocery store "Rimon" in Dubai and served as a key figure in the growing Jewish community following the Abraham Accords.
What makes this heartbreaking senseless murder even more tragic is that Rabbi Kogan's wife is the niece of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was killed in the 2008 terrorist attack on Mumbai's Chabad House.