Dr. Michael Cohen, center, chair of the East Valley JCC’s Lone Soldier Project, will be honored in the March 20 issue of Phoenix Jewish News as part of the paper’s inaugral 12 Over 60 feature. He’s pictured here at a recent event with Rabbi Michael Beyo, EVJCC CEO,  and Barbara Nussbaum.

Dr. Michael Cohen, chair of the East Valley JCC’s Lone Solder Project, is a recipient of the first annual 12 Over 60 award for his creation and leadership of the Lone Soldier Project and his Israel-related volunteer efforts. The award is given to those who influence the Jewish community through professional and personal achievement.

The Lone Soldiers Project was born at the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, where Cohen is a member, after reactivation of the Friends of Israel Committee in the Spring of 2014.  After two years of speakers, the committee decided to begin an Israel advocacy project.

After listening to a presentation by a Chandler Lone Soldier, the committee became inspired to support Lone Soldiers on active duty in the Israel Defense forces.

In January 2019, the project moved its home to the East Valley JCC to expand communications to a broader audience and to benefit from their professional resources. The mission of the project is to support the needs of Lone Soldiers, who have no immediate family in Israel to support them on active duty through partnership with three Lone Soldier Centers in Israel.

One of the missions of the project is to increase awareness about the integral role that Lone Soldiers play in the defense of Israel. This has been accomplished by the annual Hanukkah Greetings Campaign, which involves students and adults from 50 sites across Arizona and the involvement of congregations across the U.S. To date, more than 20,000 letters and over 500 hand-knitted hats have been sent to these courageous, committed young adults from over 80 countries and Israel. Learn more about the Lone Soldier Project here. 

In Dr. Cohen’s honor, the EVJCC is launching a campaign to raise funds for Passover meals for lone soldiers currently serving in the IDF. 

Read the Jewish News article featuring Dr. Michael Cohen: “Celebrating 12 Over 60: A Legacy of leadership and community”