Extremist Group Chabad Announces Sustained Activities in UAE

The extremist Jewish organization Chabad has confirmed it will continue its activities in the UAE despite the recent killing of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an Israeli army officer, last month.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Jewish community, which has been steadily growing in the UAE over the past few years, remains “resilient in the face of challenges.”

The newspaper noted that while Rabbi Kogan’s murder was a shocking event, Chabad reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its presence and activities in the UAE.

Rabbi Shalom Duchman, representing Chabad, stated, “Zvi Kogan cherished every moment he spent in the UAE,” and added, “The UAE remains a relatively safe haven for the growing Jewish population.”

The Wall Street Journal detailed the events leading up to the rabbi’s death, revealing that he failed to appear for a scheduled dentist appointment. When his wife, Rivky, became concerned, she contacted Chabad, which then informed local authorities.

An investigation revealed that Rabbi Kogan had been abducted, with his kidnappers attempting to transport him to Oman. However, their plan was thwarted, and UAE authorities later discovered Kogan’s body and vehicle near the country’s border.

While the precise circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, friends and family described the murder as particularly violent.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Jewish community in the UAE, particularly since Rabbi Kogan had often spoken of feeling secure in an Arab country.

The newspaper highlighted that this Jewish community, established in the wake of the Abraham Accords in 2020, is the first of its kind to emerge in the Arab world in decades.

Following the accords, which normalized relations between Israel, the UAE, and other Arab nations, Jewish communities have flourished in the UAE under local authorities’ support. Prayer groups have been set up, including one in a luxury hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, attracting prominent rabbis, local families, and tourists alike.

Rabbi Kogan, who was originally from Moldova and later became an Israeli citizen, was a central figure in the Jewish community. Over four years, he provided weekly challah bread to families and played a key role in launching the UAE’s first kosher supermarket to support Jewish life.

However, his tragic death has led the community to reassess its security practices.

In light of rising tensions due to the Israeli war in Gaza, UAE authorities have advised the Jewish community to limit public activities, with prayer services now held privately.

Authorities have arrested three Uzbek nationals in connection with Rabbi Kogan’s murder.

While Israel labeled the killing “an anti-Semitic terrorist act,” UAE Ambassador to Washington Yousef Al Otaiba described it as “an attack on the UAE’s values of religious freedom.”

In response to the incident, Jared Kushner, former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, and his wife Ivanka Trump pledged a $1 million donation to support Chabad’s efforts in the UAE. Jared’s brother, Joshua Kushner, promised to match the donation.

Meanwhile, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed has sought to mitigate the negative impact on the country’s image. He promptly enhanced dialogue with Jewish organizations, particularly Chabad, and reportedly allocated an initial $5 million to support Chabad’s global activities.

Mohammed bin Zayed has committed to funding Chabad’s initiative to establish a new Jewish center in the UAE, to be named “Beit Zvi” in memory of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was recently killed in the country.

Chabad, one of the most influential Jewish movements worldwide, was founded approximately 250 years ago in Russia by Rabbi Shneur Zalman. Its philosophy revolves around wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, with a focus on teaching Jewish principles and fostering spiritual and social values.

Over time, Chabad has expanded to become a cornerstone of global Jewish life, especially under the leadership of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who spearheaded its international outreach after World War II.

The organization now operates over 3,500 centers in 85 countries, including the UAE, where it has been active publicly since the normalization of relations between Abu Dhabi and Israel in 2020.

In the UAE, Chabad has played a significant role in establishing the Gulf’s first Jewish educational center, promoting kosher food practices, and organizing events to increase awareness of Judaism and build bridges with local communities.

Chabad’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the teachings of its seven revered leaders, known as the “Rebbes.” These spiritual figures have shaped the movement by delving into the depths of Jewish mysticism and exemplifying values of piety, wisdom, and leadership inspired by Torah teachings.