Rega News spoke with Rabbi Itzik Sandroi, who accompanied Rabbi Kogan during his military service, about his exceptional character.
Even while living on a military salary, he always sought to contribute and give.
“He (Tzvi) came to us about five or six years ago because of a friend of his, Shneur Levi z”l, who later became the security officer of Elon Moreh,” Sandroi recalls. “He used to visit us as a guest for frequent and extended stays, and after a certain period, he and Levi decided to enlist together in the Givati Brigade. During their military service, I accompanied them on various matters related to kashrut and other issues, so I was in contact with both of them and their commanders. They were instrumental in promoting the idea of mutual assistance, helping each other and the company become stronger and more combat-effective. Even while living on a military salary, he always sought to contribute and give.”
“After his military service, he followed in the footsteps of his brother, who was a Chabad emissary in Dubai. There, he sought every opportunity to help and give. Every time I passed through the area, even for a short stopover, he would make sure I had a place to sleep and meals. A few months ago, a large group of us flew to Russia, and we had a six-hour stopover in Abu Dhabi. Tzvi arranged an apartment for us to stay in. When we entered, we were greeted with a surprise: Tzvi had prepared us a lavish meal and extraordinary hospitality.”
He supported yeshiva students who wanted to enlist. “That was his personality—a true emissary who always cared for every person, wherever he was. He had a deep love for and supported young men who wanted to enlist. He had very ambitious plans in Abu Dhabi to provide assistance and support for all Israelis who came to the area.”
