Rabbi Henry Cohen
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1863-1952) Called the "First Citizen of Texas" by U. S. President Woodrow Wilson, Rabbi Henry Cohen, an internationally known humanitarian, was born in London, England. He came to Galveston in 1888 as spiritual leader of congregation B'Nai Israel and served for 64 years until his death. In 1889 he married Mollie Levy (1862-1951) and they had two children. After the disastrous storm of 1900, Texas Governor Joseph D. Sayers appointed Rabbi Cohen to head the Central Relief Committee. From 1907 until World War I he helped shiploads of immigrants become settled in cities around the country. During World War I he was instrumental in influencing Congress to provide Jewish naval chaplains. Appointed to the Texas Prison Board by Governor Dan Moody, Rabbi Cohen introduced measures for more humane treatment of prisoners. He assisted New York slum residents in moving south. He fought for social justice for persons of all races and creeds. He helped foster the spirit of brotherhood and interfaith goodwill existing in Galveston today. When Rabbi Cohen died, the Commissioners Court of Galveston County called him one of this country's greatest humanitarians and spiritual leaders.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in London and trained as a rabbi, Henry Cohen came to Galveston in 1888 and led congregation B'nai Israel for 64 years until his death. President Woodrow Wilson called him the "First Citizen of Texas," and his reach matched the title: he headed relief after the 1900 storm, helped settle shiploads of immigrants across the country, pressed for humane treatment of prisoners, and championed social justice across every race and creed. His humanitarian work made him nationally renowned.
Why it matters
Cohen's life shows how an immigrant faith leader could become a moral force in American public life, shaping disaster relief, immigration, and prison reform far beyond his synagogue.
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Related people
- · Rabbi Henry Cohen
- · Mollie Levy
- · Woodrow Wilson
Related events
- · Galveston Hurricane of 1900
Themes & tags
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