Chabad is preparing for its annual shluchim convention next weekend in New York, an event that will be held under heightened security due to the ongoing war in Israel and the tragic killing of Rabbi Zvi Kogen, a Chabad emissary to Abu Dhabi, by a hit squad sent by Iran. A significant portion of the conference will be dedicated to honoring the memory of Rabbi Kogen, a Chabad insider revealed.

The convention takes place every year over Shabbos Mevorchim Kislev, bringing together approximately 6,000 Chabad shluchim from across the globe.

This year, the convention’s focus was initially set to cover two major topics: the war in Israel, which has had an impact on Chabad houses worldwide, and the 50th anniversary of the Rebbe’s launch of the “Mitzvah Campaigns.” These initiatives were designed to inspire observance of core Jewish practices such as Torah study, wearing tefillin, and giving tzedakah, alongside the Aseres Hadibros.

In the wake of Rabbi Kogen’s murder, part of the conference will be dedicated to discussions on enhancing security at Chabad houses and for their emissaries. Additionally, there will be a focus on remembering Rabbi Kogen. A Chabad source noted that while security has always been a matter of concern within the Chabad community, the recent tragedy will prompt a deeper, more meaningful conversation on the subject.

Rabbi Kogen was assassinated by Uzbeks acting on Iranian orders. The Israeli mission in Abu Dhabi has been in constant communication with his family since the tragedy and continues to provide support. His relatives in Israel have also been notified of his death.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned the murder, calling it “a heinous antisemitic act of terror,” and pledged that Israel would take all necessary steps to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Rabbi Kogen worked closely with Rabbi Levi Duchman, the chief rabbi of the Jewish community in the UAE. His family confirmed that their last communication with him was on Wednesday, and according to the Mossad, he was last seen in Dubai at noon on Thursday.

{Matzav.com}