Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Pledge $1 Million to UAE Chabad After Rabbi’s Tragic Death

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump have pledged $1 million to Chabad of the UAE in memory of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the Israeli-Moldovan rabbi tragically murdered in Abu Dhabi last week. The donation honors Rabbi Kogan’s work fostering Jewish life and interfaith harmony in the Gulf region.

Rabbi Kogan, 28, aide to the UAE’s chief rabbi and owner of a kosher shop in Abu Dhabi, went missing last Thursday. Days later, his body was discovered by Emirati authorities, and three Uzbek nationals were arrested in connection with the crime.

In a heartfelt announcement, Kushner, an architect of the 2020 Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel and the UAE, praised Kogan’s efforts to build bridges between Jews and Muslims. “Ivanka and I are saddened by the loss of Rabbi Kogan, who was senselessly murdered to stop the historic bridges he was building between Jews and Muslims in the UAE,” Kushner wrote.

Kushner highlighted the UAE’s role in fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. “The success of his work, in partnership with the bold and positive vision of the Emirati government, has been a shining light in the world and a strong counter to the history of division,” he said. Reflecting on centuries of shared Jewish-Muslim history, Kushner noted, “Before World War II, Jews and Muslims lived together throughout the Middle East in harmony for many centuries, celebrating their shared values. The UAE is leading us back to that time.”

The Kushners’ donation aims to strengthen the burgeoning Jewish community in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, ensuring its growth despite the challenges. Kushner also encouraged others to join in supporting this vision. “We will redouble our efforts to work with the Jewish community and the country’s leadership to build a resilient, vibrant Jewish community,” he stated.

Minutes later, Joshua Kushner, Jared’s younger brother, announced he and his wife Karlie Kloss would match the $1 million donation. “May we live in a time of peace, unity, and acceptance. May Rabbi Kogan’s memory be a blessing,” he wrote.

This outpouring of support from the Kushner family underscores the enduring legacy of Rabbi Kogan’s mission and highlights the Abraham Accords’ profound impact on interfaith relations in the region.

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