‘Where Netanyahu goes, I go,’ says SA-born spokesman

NICOLA MILTZ

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday appointed the South Africa-born academic as his international press advisor, catapulting him into the public eye.

No stranger to politics, the outspoken gay rights activist was formerly the founding chair of Likud Pride, the party’s caucus for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning) rights.

While he is not known to have any prior experience in public diplomacy, it didn’t deter the prime minister from personally seeking him out for the position.

Netanyahu saw Cohen being interviewed several weeks ago on i24news, an Israeli 24-hour news channel. He was impressed by Cohen’s views on recently appointed Justice Minister Amir Ohana becoming the first openly gay minister. Cohen’s ability to present the Likud worldview scored him points with the prime minister.

This week, Cohen caught up with the SA Jewish Report in a telephonic interview between meetings with the prime minister.

The first thing that stood out was his broad, familiar, South African accent, in spite of having left our shores 41 years ago at the age of nine, returning only once last year on a visit to Cape Town.

“You can never get rid of the Durban accent,” he said jokingly.

Cohen, 51, has until now been teaching linguistics at Tel Aviv University, where he received his academic degrees. His partner of 21 years, Omri Rosenkrantz, is also an academic. Cohen said Netanyahu had “advised me to go home and talk it through with Omri before accepting the position”, which is highly demanding, and has already altered the couple’s lives considerably.

“Where Netanyahu goes, I go,” said the Ramat Gan resident, who remembers with fondness the Durban neighbourhood in which he lived.

“We lived in Wright Place, in Carrington Heights,” he said with nostalgia. He attended Sharona Nursery School, followed by a stint at Carmel College, before making aliyah in 1977 with his parents, John and Hermione, and three siblings.

The family settled in what Cohen fondly calls “Ra’ananafontein” – Ra’anana being popular amongst ex-South Africans.

His loving parents, both aged 80, insist that the entire family – including great grandchildren and grandchildren – gather for Shabbat dinner every Friday night at their home. It’s a tradition they’ve kept since their Durban days.

“Our parents have always supported us in everything we’ve done. Growing up with this kind of support meant everything,” he said.

Although he considers himself 100% Israeli, South Africa still holds a very special place in his heart.

“I am more emotionally tied to South Africa than any other country,” Cohen said.

“The South African Jewish community has been through many changes over the past 40 years, and many Jews have left the country. I believe we are going through a rough period diplomatically, and I’m hoping things will improve in time.”

His official title is international media consultant for the prime minister working alongside the head of state. The position has to do with perceptions of government and Israel in general, Cohen said.

His job will entail interacting with foreign-media stakeholders, and establishing relationships with editors across foreign-media platforms.

“What the foreign press needs from me is information. I’m hoping to provide this straight from the prime minster himself – his views, what he thinks, what he does – so that foreign media can provide fair and balanced reporting on the government and Israel.”

Asked how he felt when he received the call from the prime minister’s office, Cohen said, “I’ve always been a big supporter of Netanyahu. I’m not embarrassed to say this. I think he’s doing an excellent job. It was great to meet him, and the opportunity to work with him is amazing.”

Cohen has been a fan of Netanyahu ever since he heard him being interviewed several years ago on how he would like to be remembered one day.

“He told the interviewer that he would like to be remembered as the person who fortified and strengthened the state of Israel. This is what he has been doing. Economically and diplomatically, he is doing an amazing job,” said Cohen.

Cohen doesn’t believe the 17 September Knesset elections pose a threat, saying that in spite of the outcome, he would remain committed.

“I believe he will continue after the elections. I will serve under him as long as he wants me there,” he said.

In the meantime, life for Cohen and his partner has changed dramatically.

“I was a university lecturer before this. You can’t compare the hours and degree of intensity. This isn’t a nine-to-five job.”

There was criticism following the announcement of Cohen’s position this week.

Some criticised Netanyahu’s timing, considering last Saturday’s highly controversial statements by Israeli Education Minister Rafi Peretz. During an interview with Channel 12, Peretz – an orthodox rabbi and a member of the Union of Right-Wing Parties – said that it was “possible” for homosexuals to be converted through conversion therapy.

Netanyahu immediately responded by calling Peretz’s remarks “unacceptable”, and asserting that they did not reflect the government’s position.

Cohen insisted that he was considered for the post several weeks ago, and it had nothing to with the fact that he is gay.

In his spare time – which is now going to be curtailed somewhat – Cohen is the director and founder of the Tel Aviv Scrabble Club, and has competed in several world scrabble championships. He is hoping to visit South Africa again soon.