The recent kidnapping and murder of Chabad emissary Rabbi Zvi Kogan in Abu Dhabi has shaken the sense of security many Jews felt in the UAE. The Israeli government has now urged caution with non-essential travel to the country, underscoring concerns after this tragic event.
For years, Jews in the UAE have felt welcome, with Jewish residents and visitors experiencing warmth and respect in cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The country’s commitment to coexistence is exemplified by the Abrahamic House, a complex housing a synagogue, mosque, and church. This vision of harmony and tolerance made the news of Rabbi Kogan’s death all the more shocking.
Jewish life in the UAE is relatively new, with a community forming in the past decade, particularly after the Abraham Accords. Unlike in countries with centuries-old Jewish communities, such as Morocco or Algeria, the Jewish presence in the UAE is a modern development. The local government has supported the community, emphasizing religious tolerance and providing a safe environment for Jews to live and worship.
Despite this, the tragic event has left many questioning the future security of Jewish life in the UAE. While the country has strict laws against violence, Jewish leaders insist Jews must continue living freely and proudly worldwide, including in the UAE, to avoid reverting to a life of fear and concealment.
