The murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a Chabad emissary in Dubai, has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide, highlighting both the dangers faced by Jewish leaders abroad and the enduring commitment of those continuing their work.
Among those mourning the loss is Rabbi Chezki Malka, a Chabad emissary in Cape Town, South Africa, and a close friend of Rabbi Kogan.
Chezki Malka—Chabad emissary, Cape Town, South Africa
In an emotional interview, Rabbi Malka described Kogan as a selfless individual whose life was dedicated to helping others. “We were the same age, and I first met him three, three-and-a-half years ago at the annual Chabad emissaries conference in New York,” Malka said. “We instantly connected and became close friends. Zvi was such a good guy, someone who devoted his whole life to doing good things. It’s a huge loss for all of us.”
Malka shared a story that exemplified Rabbi Kogan’s selflessness. “A few months ago, he sent me a message from Dubai with a picture of a business card,” Malka recalled. “He’d met a man at a store who came in to buy kosher food. The man mentioned he was from Cape Town, so Zvi got his contact information and sent it to me, saying, ‘Be in touch with him, try to help him.’ I didn’t know this man before, but because of Zvi’s message, we became good friends. That was Zvi—always thinking about how to help someone, even if it was a brief encounter.”
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Despite the tragedy, Rabbi Malka remains committed to his mission of spreading goodness and positivity. “Darkness is always there in the world,” he said. “But we have a mission to spread light, to spread kindness. Just yesterday, I read a message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe saying that when you put all your energy into something meaningful, you’ll see it grow. That’s what Zvi did, and that’s what we have to do. Even when there’s darkness, we need to work harder to continue the Rebbe’s mission of spreading light and goodness.”
When asked about antisemitism in South Africa, Malka said, “Baruch Hashem (thank God), I haven’t experienced anything myself, nor have my colleagues. I hope it stays that way for all of us here in Cape Town and across South Africa. But, of course, we’re cautious. Our community works closely with security organizations to ensure everyone stays safe.”
As Rabbi Malka mourns his friend, he draws strength from Rabbi Kogan’s legacy. “Zvi’s life was about spreading kindness and helping others,” Malka said. “Even in the face of tragedy, we must continue to do the same. That’s how we honor him.”