Chabad has announced plans to open 100 new centers in underserved areas around the world in response to the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan. The initiative follows the conclusion of the traditional seven-day mourning period, with seed funding for the first 50 centers provided by the Keren Hashluchim fund. An additional 50 centers will be launched in the coming months.

Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, director of Keren Hashluchim, explained that the initiative honors Rabbi Kogan’s memory by transforming grief into positive action. The new centers will reflect the Rebbe’s message of responding to evil with strength and positivity. New locations for the centers include Algarve, Portugal; Tatarstan, Russia; and Andorra.

Rabbi Kogan, 28, was killed in the UAE last month in what Israel has classified as an antisemitic terror attack. Rabbi Kogan had worked to expand Jewish life in the UAE, including ensuring access to kosher food and opening the country’s first Jewish education center. Chabad’s expansion of these centers worldwide is seen as a tribute to his contributions and dedication to fostering Jewish life and community.