City considers how to memorialize Cohen

Cohen, known nationally as a Likud Party powerbroker and locally as a man who worked tirelessly for his city.

By MIRIAM BULWAR DAVID-HAY (TRANSLATED)
Ra'anana was last week considering how best to commemorate its late Deputy Mayor Uzi Cohen, who died suddenly of a heart attack two weeks ago, reports www.local.co.il. One of the suggestions being made was to rename the city's park after the colorful, well-known figure. As head of the city's gardens and landscaping department, Cohen was largely responsible for the park and the city's green, well-kept appearance. According to the report, the city council held a special public session in honor of Cohen, known nationally as a Likud Party powerbroker and locally as a man who worked tirelessly for his city and who was accessible to everyone. Cohen's wife Carmella, his children and his siblings all attended the session. An awkward moment occurred when opposition councillor Leah Halperin asked to be allowed to read aloud a letter from opposition leader Haim Broide. Cohen's family objected and one of his brothers left the room, telling Halperin, "You should be ashamed of yourself." It was Broide's complaints that led to police investigating alleged building code breaches by Cohen and recommending that he be prosecuted shortly before his death. Speaking at the council session, Cohen's brother Rafi said it was "a pity that there are people who did not know how to appreciate you in life and appreciate you only now, with your death."