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Lessons From Rabbi Zvi Kogan And The Holtzbergs
I recall a powerful anecdote that highlights both hashgacha pratit and the profound kiddush Hashem that surrounds the tragic story of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan, who was martyred al kiddush Hashem by terrorists in the UAE. Rabbi Zvi’s wife, a niece of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, the Chabad shluchim who were murdered al Kiddush Hashem in Mumbai in 2008, adds a deeply personal connection to this tragedy.
Not long after hearing of Rabbi Zvi’s passing, a Lubavitcher man in the U.S. called his credit card company. The representative on the line was from India. Upon seeing the words "Chabad Lubavitch," the rep casually asked the caller if he knew about the Holtzbergs. To his surprise, the man replied, “Of course I know them; the entire Jewish world has heard about it!” The representative then began to cry, sharing that he had lived on the same block as the Holtzbergs and that they were the kindest people he had ever known.
This touching encounter is not only an incredible kiddush Hashem but also a reflection of divine providence that this particular representative, who clearly had a deep connection to the Holtzbergs, was the one who picked up the phone.
I also learned that at Rabbi Zvi’s wedding in 2022, he wore his uncle Rabbi Gavriel’s suit—the same suit Rabbi Gavriel had been wearing when he was tragically killed. How remarkable that Rabbi Zvi, too, went al Kiddush Hashem, mirroring the legacy of his uncle and aunt. Despite the great tragedy, there seems to be a certain zechut in this family, even through the most painful of circumstances.
When the Chofetz Chaim (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan) passed away, one of the gedolim speaking at his l'vayah mentioned that the sage would often pray, “Tikach nafshi al kiddush Hashem”—“Please take my soul for the sanctification of Your holy name.” This is considered one of the greatest ways to depart this world. However, the Chofetz Chaiim passed away from natural causes. The gadol responded by explaining that it seemed that Hashem wanted him to live al kiddush Hashem, which is also an immense merit.
We do not fully understand the Almighty’s calculations, but we can take solace in knowing that Rabbi Zvi’s passing was also al Kiddush Hashem. Just as it was said of his uncle and aunt that they were beloved by all, so too was Rabbi Zvi deeply loved and respected by those around him. Both lived—and tragically died—al Kiddush Hashem.
It is important to note that the murder of Rabbi Zvi was clearly an act of antisemitic terrorism. Similarly, in the case of the Holtzbergs, there had been multiple terrorist attacks around Mumbai, and it was evident that the Jewish center was specifically targeted.
Reflecting on the concept of kiddush Hashem, I remember a conversation I had years ago with a group of boys at a kiruv camp. One of the counselors asked me to watch over his bar-mitzvah age boys while he participated in an oneg with other counselors. I remember the boys were discussing the idea of whether a person’s time had come if he were to die al kiddush Hashem. For example, if someone were told to violate one of the three cardinal sins under threat of death, and he chose to be killed instead, would that mean it was his time to go? I told them that it was an excellent question, and from what I understood, it seemed that it was indeed his time. While one could technically save his life, the decision to sanctify G-d's Name is beyond the individual’s calculation.
To illustrate this, I shared a story about one of the earlier Lubavitcher Rebbes, who was brought to a Nazi concentration camp. A Nazi guard shouted at him, “Do you still believe in G-d?!” The Rebbe calmly answered, “Yes, I do.” The Nazi screamed, “Don’t you realize I can kill you right now?!” The Rebbe replied, “If you kill me, you are only killing my body, but my soul will ascend to Heaven and live forever.” The Nazi, struck by the Rebbe's unwavering faith, turned to his comrades and said, “Don’t touch this man. He is a holy person!”
May we all take a lesson from the lives and sacrifices of these great Jews—Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the Holtzbergs, and countless others—who have illuminated the world with their faith and sanctified G-d’s Name. And, as we say in Chabad, Mashiach now!
By Nesanel S.
A Legacy Of Kiddush Hashem
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