Local Officials Respond To Horrific Murder Of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan Hy"d

By Idy Perl

Over the weekend Klal Yisroel was horrified to hear about the kidnapping of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, the Chabad shliach of the UAE, who had been missing since last Thursday.

Early Sunday morning Israeli officials confirmed that Rabbi Kogan had been murdered, plunging Klal Yisroel into a state of mourning.

Several local officials released statements condemning the tragedy and reaffirming their commitment to the safety of the local Jewish community. 

Governor Kathy Hochul:

I am horrified by the abduction and murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan. My heart is with his family and the Jewish community. May his memory be a blessing. This heinous act of antisemitism is a painful reminder that we must continue to fight it wherever it rears its ugly head.

Attorney General Letitia James:

I am deeply disturbed by the news of the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan. This is an unspeakable act of violent antisemitism. My prayers are with his family, and the entire Lubavitch and Chabad community in Brooklyn and across the world. May his memory be a blessing.

Congressman Mike Lawler:

This was a horrific murder and cowardly act of terrorism. May Rabbi Kogan’s memory be a blessing, and may his murderers face swift justice.

Senator Bill Weber: 

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the worldwide Jewish community on the tragic murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Antisemitism and anti-Western ideologies originating from Iran remain a growing issue that must be confronted and stopped immediately."

Jews around the world are responding to this horrific murder by increasing mitzvos and maasim tovim in his memory, bringing even more light to a world overshadowed by darkness.

photo by: Yossi Fajnland/Chabad.org