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In Part 2 of this special conversation on The Israeli Bond, host Gal Swisa Cohen continues her discussion with her husband, Dagan Cohen, senior emissary for the Jewish Agency’s delegation on Long Island and Director of the Randy W. Molinsky Center for Israel at Sid Jacobson JCC.

As Dagan prepares to conclude his three-year mission, he reflects on what it truly means to serve as a shaliach and build a living bridge between Israel and the Jewish community. He shares how arriving just weeks before October 7 transformed his role, forcing him to choose between returning to Israel for reserve duty or remaining on Long Island to support, educate, and strengthen the community during an unprecedented crisis.

The conversation explores the creation of the Long Island Jewish Coalition, the expansion of the Israeli delegation, the importance of investing in people and relationships, and the development of lasting partnerships between Long Island and communities in Israel.

Dagan also discusses the lessons he will carry home, including his belief that shlichut is a two-way street. Just as Diaspora Jewish communities learn about and support Israel, Israelis must better understand their connection to Jewish life around the world.

This heartfelt episode is a reflection on leadership, responsibility, resilience, Jewish unity, and the people who transformed Long Island from an assignment into a second home.

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