Jewish News publisher honoured by British Indian Jewish Association
Justin Cohen, awarded for dedication to Indian-Jewish relations, pays tribute to his late father, Melvin Cohen, 'a proud British Jew who was born in India'.
Jewish News’ co-publisher has been honoured at the 25th anniversary of the British Indian Jewish Association (BIJA).
Justin Cohen received a Community Award at a reception for 100 attendees, alongside CB Patel (chairman and editor in chief of Asian Voice and Gujarati newspaper, Gujarat Samacharwhich), held on Thursday 19 January at the Rosenblatt Memory Crystal office in Fleet Street.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent a warm letter to extend his congratulations to both Cohen and Patel for their “remarkable contribution to civic and public life”.
BIJA co-chair Dr Peter Chadha read further excerpts from Sunak’s note, in which he applauded the work of the organisation “in bringing the Indian and the Jewish communities together, along with the vision of your founders. We need organisations such as yours to build the bonds of friendship between different communities.”
The event featured interviews with Josh Glancy (Sunday Times) and Manveen Rana (co-host of The Times podcast, Stories of our times), who spoke to co-chair Zaki Cooper about their careers as well as the similarities between the two communities. Manveen spoke about being kidnapped as an investigative journalist and foiling a terror plot in London, whilst John spoke about interviewing famous people such as Bill Clinton and Pamela Anderson.
Cohen said: “Receiving an award for doing a job I have loved for over two decades was unexpected and special in equal measure. All the more so as it came so soon after losing my dad, a proud British Jew who was born in India. Huge thanks to Jewish News editor Richard Ferrer for giving me the freedom to work on a range of innovative projects, and to Russell Bahar whose drive has ensured Asian Jewish Business Network’s huge growth over the last three years.”
On receiving his BIJA Community Award, CB Patel said: “I have always seen a very special bonding between the Indian and Jewish communities. I can say without any hesitation that the best is yet to come.”
Other speakers were Anil Rajani (partner at Rosenblatt and BIJA trustee), Sophie Ross (BIJA committee), Reena Ranger (BIJA committee) and Lord David Pannick KC (BIJA advisory board).
Co-chairs Zaki Cooper and Dr Peter Chadha said they were delighted at the “positive” and “energetic” atmosphere in celebrating the friendship between the Indian and Jewish communities.
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