A Friend of Israel for Life

How does a region with less than one inch of rainfall annually become a major agricultural powerhouse for a nation? It is thanks to the help of a pioneering spirit, a commitment to innovation, and the friendship of philanthropists like Colorado’s Alan Cohen, 82, who believe in sowing the seeds for tomorrow. For those who know Cohen, they’ll tell you that he’s someone who makes decisions with his heart and his head.

And that’s exactly why on a windy day, besides an enormous reservoir of water in the middle of the Arava desert near the border with Gaza, Cohen stood with the local mayor of Eshkol, Michal Uziyahu, and Jewish National Fund-USA Chief of Staff in Israel, Tali Tzour, to dedicate this, his most recent major gift, to the community’s farmers which was completed with the support of fellow Coloradoan, Bob Lembke, and others.

Farms in Eshkol were particularly hard hit in the October 7 attacks, many of the farmers themselves were murdered, others were called up to reserve services, and they lost most, if not all, of the laborers who make sustaining agricultural activity possible. Cohen has been involved in Jewish National Fund-USA’s Water Task Force for over a decade, and has a long history of supporting water projects in this area, including having donated reservoirs in the past.

Standing by this newest reservoir in the wake of such destruction carried incredible meaning for all of the attendees. Said Tzour, “Who would have believed that after October 7, we would be standing here with such pride, dedicating a huge reservoir filled with water to support the farmers of the area? This is so important for the existence of Israel, and you should be so proud. We want to thank you for your leadership and the example that you set.”

Thanks to his years of partnership, many visits, and genuine love for the land and people of Israel, it is no wonder that the connection between Cohen and the people of the Arava is full of mutual love and respect. Development Director for the Central Arava Regional Council, Noa Zer, said, “He understands that water is the essence of life. He is a true friend to the people of Israel and especially the Negev and the Arava. His support has helped our farmers keep growing, ensuring Israel’s food security.”

Rachael Solomon, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Executive Director, Mountain States, echoed the sentiment, “It is in Alan’s DNA to make a meaningful impact. He loves the land and people of Israel, and his work with water is not just a gift of ideology, it’s a heartfelt representation of his personal connection to the region and his dedication to its growth.”

At the reservoir, standing by the sign bearing his name, Cohen smiled gently and said, “I am honored and humbled to be able to continue to support Israel, especially in its hour of need after the horrible events of October 7. It was a reminder of the struggle that we Jews around the world had and the hope we have for the continuation of the success of the state of Israel. Am Yisrael chai.”