At Voice of the People (VoP), it’s the people behind the scenes who bring our mission to life. Rachel Cohen, our Director of Global Partnerships, is one of those people. With a deep passion for the Jewish community and a knack for bringing people together, Rachel is responsible for building strategic partnerships with organizations and networks to foster collaboration, growth, and shared initiatives.
From the UK to Israel: A Journey of Connection
“I’m definitely a product of the Jewish ecosystem,” Rachel says, reflecting on her path. Growing up in the UK, she was immersed in Jewish life through schools and youth movements. Her journey took her to Israel on a gap year, a transformative experience that ultimately led her to make Aliyah.
“When I was 18, I spent a year here in Israel. It was supposed to be about leadership and exploring, but it quickly turned into something different,” she recalls. Adjusting to new challenges and finding her place in a new country helped shape her approach to community-building—skills she brings to VoP every day.
Finding the Right Voices
A big part of Rachel’s role has been identifying and connecting with people who might not always have the loudest voice in the room, but definitely have something important to say. “We didn’t want to just get the usual suspects,” she explains. “It was about finding people who might not always be on the radar—thinkers, doers, creatives—and encouraging them to apply for the council.”
Rachel spent countless hours researching, reading articles, and scouring social media, but also tapped into her own network. “I didn’t just Google ‘top Jewish leaders’ and call it a day,” she laughs. “I was looking for people with a digital footprint connected to Judaism or Israel. We found everyone from chefs who share their Jewish roots through food, to gamers incorporating Holocaust education into their online worlds.”
Building Bridges Through Partnerships
As much as the council is at the heart of VoP, Rachel knows the work doesn’t stop there. To make a real impact, it’s all about partnerships. “We can have the best ideas, but without support from the wider Jewish community, we won’t get very far,” she says.
That’s why she’s been reaching out to organizations across the globe, bringing them into the conversation early on. “We didn’t want to just present a finished product and ask for their endorsement. Collaboration is key, and it’s about letting these organizations shape our direction from the start.”
Creating a Future of Strong Jewish Leadership
For Rachel, the vision isn’t just about this year’s council—it’s about laying the groundwork for the future. “Our goal is to build something sustainable,” she explains. “We want the next generation to grow up knowing what VoP is, and to be excited to get involved when they turn 18.”
When asked what makes an ideal council, Rachel emphasizes the need for balance. “There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Success means having a council that reflects the full diversity of our community, bringing together different backgrounds, professions, and perspectives.”
An Invitation to Join the Conversation
Looking ahead, Rachel is optimistic about what VoP can achieve, but she knows it will take more than just the council to make it happen. “We’re always open to new voices,” she says. “Whether you’re an individual, an organization, or just someone who wants to get involved, there’s a place for you here. The challenges we face are too big to tackle alone.”
Rachel’s hope is that VoP becomes a platform for everyone who wants to see real, positive change. “Even if you didn’t apply for the council or weren’t selected, we still want to hear from you. There’s always a way to get involved.”
A Focus on Action, Not Just Talk
Reflecting on the journey so far, Rachel’s focus remains clear. “In two years, I want to see tangible results. Whether it’s new programs, policy changes, or stronger connections, it’s about taking action.”
