BRUSSELS, Monday Dec 3, 2024 – Under the auspices of the European Jewish Association (EJA), a solemn moment of silence and the lighting of a memorial candle took place today at the European Parliament in memory of Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was brutally murdered in the United Arab Emirates last week.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across Jewish and Israeli communities worldwide.
UAE Ambassador Mohammed Am Sahlawi joined the commemoration, offering his heartfelt condolences: “What happened is extremely shocking and very sad. This act of extremism is precisely why we must double down on our shared values of coexistence and tolerance.”
Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Executive Director of the EJA, strongly condemned the attack, stating: “This horrific act of terror is a stark reminder that antisemitism and hatred have no borders. It is incumbent upon all of us to fight these dark forces and to strengthen the bonds of understanding and mutual respect among nations.”
Michael Freilich, the only Jewish lawmaker in Belgium and a special diplomatic envoy for the EJA, also addressed the gathering: “Let’s turn this tragedy into a rallying call for unity and cooperation. The Abraham Accords have shown us what is possible when Jews and Arabs come together as partners in peace. The most powerful message we can send to those who wish to divide us is that they will fail. Our resolve for coexistence and collaboration is unshakable.”
The commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of continued dialogue and partnership between Jewish and Arab communities. It also underscores the enduring need to combat extremism in all its forms and to build bridges of understanding across the globe.