81 Votes for Michael Cohen
Michael Cohen
Manchester, Vermont
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
The First World Zionist Congress was convened by Theodor Herzl in 1897, but there were no environmental organizations in the Congress -- which oversees KKL (Israel's version of JNF) -- until Rabbi Michael Cohen came along. In 2001, Rabbi Michael co-founded the Green Zionist Alliance with Alon Tal and others. Through Rabbi Michael's efforts, the fledgling Green Zionist Alliance was able to secure seats at the World Zionist Congress as well as representatives on the KKL board of directors. Consequently, the Green Zionist Alliance has helped to green the policies of KKL and it has brought more Jews together for the cause of Israel's environment. The seed of an organization that Rabbi Michael planted is growing into a tree, and all of Israel will benefit from its fruit: A greener Israel, a greener Homeland.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
Rabbi Michael Cohen's last name really should be Green. Having co-founded the Green Zionist Alliance (www.greenzionism.org), the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, and the solar energy-focused Arava Power Company, Rabbi Michael has become an American leader in greening Israel and he has helped thousands of Diaspora Jews to connect with and care for Israel's environment.
