Emirati authorities announced on Sunday morning that they located the body of missing Chabad shliach HaRav Tzvi Kogan, H’yd, 28, who was abducted and murdered by terrorists on behalf of Iran.

Rav Kogan, z’l, had driven to Al Ain, an Emirati city near the eastern border with Oman, about an hour and a half from Dubai. His abandoned car was found there and signs of a struggle were identified. His phone had been turned off.

The initial investigation revealed that the three Uzbek nationals suspected of murdering him followed him from the kosher supermarket he managed in Dubai. Iran often uses Uzbek Shiite agents to try to hide its murderous tracks.

The Uzbek terrorists fled to Turkey and Israeli security officials are making efforts to collaborate with their Turkish counterparts to locate them.

The Israeli representatives in Abu Dhabi have been in contact with the family since the beginning of the incident and continue to support them during this difficult time. His family in Israel has also been informed.

The Prime Minister’s Office and the Foreign Ministry issued a joint statement saying: “The murder of Tzvi Kogan, z’l, is a heinous act of antisemitic terrorism. The State of Israel will use all means and bring to those responsible for his death to justice.”

Rav Kogan, H’YD, was the assistant to Rabbi Levi Duchman, the Chief Rav of the Jewish kehilla in Dubai, and was considered a central figure among the Jewish and Israeli kehilla in the city. He got married two years ago to Rivky Spielman from Crown Heights and the couple embarked on shlichus, moving to Abu Dhabi.

He failed to show up for scheduled meetings on Wednesday and his wife, who reported his absence, immediately contacted the Chabad security officer, who contacted the authorities.

Rav Kogan, z’l, grew up in Israel, attending Litvak mosdos Torah, including Yeshivas Mir. He later grew close to Chabad.

In Dubai, he managed a kosher grocery that served as an important center for Jews and Israelis in the city. His role in community life, as well as his religious involvement, made him a prominent figure in Dubai, which may explain how he attracted the interest of hostile elements.

This shocking event exposes the security risks that Israelis may encounter in the UAE, despite the strong ties between the countries since the Abraham Accords.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)