Professor Chen Kugel Promoted Amid Notable Forensic Cases Including Tair Rada Murder

Professor Chen Kugel, director of Israel's National Institute of Forensic Medicine, was recently promoted to the rank of professor during a conference held by ZAKA's legal department. Following the announcement, ZAKA promptly updated his name tag from 'Dr. Chen Kugel' to 'Prof. Chen Kugel.' Kugel is recognized as one of Israel's leading forensic medicine experts and has played a pivotal role in several high-profile and sensitive cases over the years.

Among his notable involvements was the Tair Rada murder case, where his medical opinion was a key factor leading to the acquittal of Roman Zadorov in a retrial. Kugel also contributed to investigations concerning the fate of kidnapped soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, providing an official opinion shortly after the outbreak of the Second Lebanon War that they were likely no longer alive. Additionally, he prepared expert testimony regarding the cause of death of the young girl Rose Pizem.

Since joining the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in 1991, Kugel has provided expert opinions and testimony in numerous cases requiring forensic medical analysis. He was appointed director of the institute in 2013. In 2024, he received the Israel Prize for civilian bravery, and his recent academic promotion adds to his distinguished career achievements.