By COLlive reporter
Entrepreneurs and former White House officials Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have expressed condolences over the tragic killing of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad Shliach in the United Arab Emirates who was brutally murdered in a terror attack last week.
The couple, the daughter and son-in-law of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has pledged 1 million dollars to Chabad in the Emirates in his memory.
In a joint statement, the Kushners said, “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. Rabbi Kogan’s commitment to peace and unity was a beacon of hope that will continue to inspire us all.”
They went on to highlight the historical context of Jewish-Muslim relations in the Middle East, noting that before the outbreak of World War II, Jews and Muslims coexisted in harmony throughout much of the region, sharing values and traditions. According to the Kushners, the UAE is leading the way back to this harmonious past.
They also vowed to redouble their efforts to work alongside the Jewish community and Emirati leadership to further strengthen and expand the Jewish community in cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
“We will continue to support the growth of a resilient, vibrant Jewish community in the UAE, and we encourage others to join us in this important endeavor,” the statement read.
The Kushners also took a firm stance against the ongoing scapegoating of Israel and the Jewish people, calling it a tactic used by inept leaders to distract from their own failures. “The constant scapegoating of Israel and the Jewish people benefits no one, other than those who seek to spread hatred and division. It’s time for the world to channel its collective energy to uplift our shared goals and ambitions,” they emphasized.
The statement concluded with a call to action for those seeking to divide the world along religious lines: “To all who wish to aggravate these historic divides, know that your efforts only strengthen the resolve of the Jewish community to contribute to societies that respect and welcome us. History has shown that those who embrace the Jewish people benefit, and those who persecute the Jewish people ultimately face spectacular defeat.”
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. The success of his work, in partnership with the bold and positive vision of the Emirati government, has been a…
— Jared Kushner (@jaredkushner) November 25, 2024
After the announcement, Jared’s brother, Joshua Kushner, an American businessman and investor, made a surprising decision.
“I am inspired by your and Ivanka’s leadership,” he wrote. “Karlie and I will match your donation of 1MM. May we live in a time of peace, unity and acceptance. May Rabbi Kogan’s memory be a blessing.”
Click here to donate to Chabad in the UAE.
I am inspired by your and Ivanka’s leadership.
Karlie and I will match your donation of 1MM.
May we live in a time of peace, unity and acceptance.
May Rabbi Kogan’s memory be a blessing. https://t.co/QDgXWzcbPJ
— Joshua Kushner (@JoshuaKushner) November 25, 2024
Trump family is always here for us .
It’s amazing!!!!
Such good people!
I hope they join the white house.
Amazing!
They really believed in peace between Arab countries and Israel, if only the Arabs would agree to accept Israel and respect it. This might feel quite close to home for them.
He was the main architect of the Abraham Accords. Without Jared Kushner, he would never even have been in the UAE. Maybe he feels some responsibility, but it’s a wonderful and meaningful gesture and magnifies Tzvi Kogan’s Z”L life works!
God bless you to continue from strength to strength in every Jewish way.