UAE arrests three for killing Israeli rabbi Zvi Kogan
- Police in the United Arab Emirates arrested three men believed to be responsible for the murder of Zvi Kogan, an ultra-Orthodox rabbi.
- Kogan's body was found shortly after he went missing; concerns about safety in the Israeli community have intensified since the incident.
- The killing has stirred discussions about regional tensions and the precarious position of Israelis in the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates police apprehended three Uzbek nationals in connection with the killing of Zvi Kogan, a 28-year-old Israeli-Moldovan rabbi and owner of a kosher grocery store in Dubai. Kogan went missing on a Thursday, and his body was discovered shortly thereafter, raising significant concerns within the Israeli community in the UAE. The Interior Ministry of the UAE has not disclosed the motive behind Kogan's murder, although it has been suggested that he was targeted for his identity as a prominent member of the Israeli community. Following a preliminary investigation, the three suspects are expected to be referred to public prosecution for further legal proceedings. The incident has heightened tensions among Israelis and Jews residing in the UAE, where worship activities have been altered due to safety concerns. Previous threats from Iran against Israel have also exacerbated fears within the community, though Iranian officials denied any involvement in Kogan's murder. Kogan's remains were transported back to Israel for burial, highlighting the emotional toll of the incident on his community and family.