Yosef Hamadani Cohen
Chief Rabbi of Iran from 1994 to 2007
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Yusef Hamadani Cohen (Persian: یوسف همدانی کهن ;1916 – 29 March 2014) was the Chief Rabbi of Iran and spiritual leader for the Jewish community of Iran (Iranian Jews) between January 1994 and 2007.[1]
Yosef Hamadani Cohen | |
|---|---|
| |
| Personal life | |
| Born | 1916 |
| Died | March 29, 2014 (aged 97–98) |
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Jewish leader | |
| Predecessor | Uriel Davidi |
| Successor | Younes Hamami Lalehzar |
| Position | Chief Rabbi of Iran |
| Synagogue | Yusef Abad Synagogue |
| Began | 1994 |
| Ended | 2006 |
Career
In August 2000, Chief Rabbi Hamadani Cohen met with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami for the first time.[2] In 2003, Cohen and Member of Parliament Morris Motamed met with Khatami at Yusef Abad Synagogue which was the first time a President of Iran had visited a synagogue since the Islamic Revolution.[3] For the event, Cohen led the opening of the Torah scroll ark and the recitation of prayers.[4]