UAE’s Al-Naimi Leads Delegation to Israel Following Rabbi’s Death
UAE Delegation, Led by Controversial Ali Rashid Al-Naimi, Pays Condolences in Israel After Rabbi’s Killing
An official UAE delegation, headed by the infamous Ali Rashid Al-Naimi, arrived in Israel to offer condolences following the killing of a Jewish rabbi under mysterious circumstances in the UAE just days earlier.
Hebrew sources report that the delegation, under Al-Naimi’s leadership, conveyed their condolences to the family of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, an Israeli officer who was murdered in the UAE. The delegation expressed full solidarity with the family and assured them of their support in all necessary forms.
The sources indicate that the delegation will hold multiple high-level meetings with senior Israeli officials to emphasize the UAE’s stance as a welcoming environment for Jews and Israelis, ensuring their safety and security on Emirati soil.
Ali Rashid Al-Naimi, who serves as the head of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense in the UAE Federal National Council, is recognized as a strong supporter of the normalization of relations with Israel and a prominent advocate for strengthening Israel-UAE ties.
Before the visit to Israel, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made significant financial donations to Chabad, the extremist Jewish organization to which Rabbi Kogan belonged.
In a bid to swiftly address the damage to the UAE’s image in attracting Jewish communities, bin Zayed immediately reinforced communication channels with Jewish organizations, particularly with Chabad.
Mohammed bin Zayed Donates $5 Million to Chabad and Funds New Jewish Center in UAE
Emirates Leaks has confirmed that Mohammed bin Zayed ordered an initial $5 million donation to Chabad to support its global operations and institutions.
Additionally, bin Zayed has committed to financing Chabad’s plans to establish a new Jewish center in the UAE, named “Beit Zvi” in memory of Rabbi Kogan.
Chabad is one of the most influential Jewish movements worldwide. Founded around 250 years ago by Rabbi Schneur Zalman in Russia, it emphasizes wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The organization aims to teach Jewish values and promote spiritual growth and social values.
Over the years, Chabad has grown into a global force in Jewish life, particularly after Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s efforts to expand its presence after World War II.
With more than 3,500 institutions in 85 countries, Chabad has been active in the UAE since the public normalization of relations between Abu Dhabi and Israel in 2020.
Chabad has played a pivotal role in the creation of the first Jewish educational center in the Gulf, located in the UAE. It also expanded access to kosher food and organized events aimed at promoting Judaism and strengthening ties with local communities.
Chabad’s philosophy is rooted in the teachings of its seven spiritual leaders, the “Rebbes,” who have helped explain the complex aspects of Jewish mysticism and emphasized values of piety and wise leadership.
Chabad continues to expand globally. In 2023, Rabbi Yitzhak Yisrael Herzog, one of Chabad’s emissaries, announced the opening of the first “Chabad House” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first of its kind in modern Saudi history. The center serves Jewish expatriates in the kingdom.
This expansion reflects Chabad’s global strategy, reaching Jewish communities across the globe, even in Muslim-majority countries, under the umbrella of normalization.
The organization takes a hardline stance against Palestinians, denying their rights and calling for their expulsion. After the escalation of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Chabad called for the resettlement of the Gaza Strip.
The Chabad logo has been seen on Israeli military equipment used in the ongoing war in Gaza, attracting widespread criticism.
Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, 28, was one of Chabad’s prominent emissaries in the UAE, working closely with Chief Rabbi Levi Duchman. He joined Chabad in 2022 and played an important role in promoting Jewish life in the UAE.
Kogan also ran a store selling kosher products to the Jewish community in Abu Dhabi. His body was discovered last Sunday, sparking significant controversy and confusion among UAE officials in handling the incident.
