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2022 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 413
Commending David Cohen.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 2022
Agreed to by the Senate, March 9, 2022

 

WHEREAS, David Cohen has greatly served the residents of Greater Richmond in his role as director of Jewish community relations at the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond; and

WHEREAS, David Cohen’s extensive educational pursuits in training for his career include a bachelor’s degree in history from Brandeis University, a master’s degree in Jewish education and organizational leadership from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, and a master’s degree in international political history from Boston University, as well as master’s certificates in the area of Jewish education; and

WHEREAS, in a career that includes nearly 20 years with Jewish community organizations, David Cohen has become an expert in the areas of Jewish community relations, education, advocacy, and nonprofit management with extensive experience in strategic planning, systems management, professional development, and curriculum design; and

WHEREAS, prior to joining the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, David Cohen served in numerous educational leadership roles with esteemed Jewish organizations around the country, including The Shlenker School of Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto, and Temple Beth Sholom in Orange County, California; and

WHEREAS, David Cohen has proudly served as an associate regional director for the New England chapter of the Anti-Defamation League and as regional youth director for the Jewish Community Center of Greater Boston, while working with Jewish federations in both the Greater Boston area and Philadelphia to develop education and advocacy programs about Israel; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure with the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, David Cohen advocated tirelessly against antisemitism and displays of hate toward members of all faiths, while building strong and meaningful relationships with public officials and leaders of different faith organizations in an effort to foster a safer and more inclusive community for all; and

WHEREAS, David Cohen responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by guiding his organization and other nonprofit institutions through the process of acquiring Paycheck Protection Program loans, mitigating the impact of the crisis on the lives of their employees; and

WHEREAS, on behalf of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, David Cohen gracefully represented the concerns of Israel and its citizens, while notably hosting the Ambassador of Israel to the United States and organizing a “Stand Against Antisemitism” rally; and

WHEREAS, after several years with the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, David Cohen returns home to Boston to serve in a similar capacity with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, leaving a legacy of service in the Commonwealth that will continue to inspire Virginians for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend David Cohen as he concludes his post as director of Jewish community relations at the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to David Cohen as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth.