: Jews In Sports @ Virtual Museum



Haskell Cohen

With a long list of achievements, Cohen was one of the most prominent journalists in the United States in the 20th Century. A contributing editor to Parade Magazine, he created its high school All-America teams in football, basketball, and soccer. Sports editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency for 17 years, Cohen was also the publicity director of the NBA from 1951-1969.

Inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame's Pillar of Achievement (which recognizes Jewish men and women who have made significant contributions to sports and to the world community through sports), Cohen also created the NBA All-Star game, founded and served as president (1961-1969) of the United States Committee Sports for Israel (sponsor of American participation in the Maccabiah Games), was the first the first non-Israeli to receive the Israel Olympic Medal, and was the first chairman of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee (1981-1989).

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 12, 1914 - d. June 28, 2000

Career Highlights:
AYeshiva student and Boston University journalism graduate, Cohen held the post of sports editor for the Jewish Telegraph Agency for 17 years. public relations director of the National Basketball Association from 1950 to 1969. He created the first NBA East-West All Star Game and structured the first NBA college draft. Cohen was a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees, a member of the United States Olympic Basketball Committee, and a member of the Amateur Basketball Association USA, representing the National Jewish Welfare Board.

Origin:
Worcester, Massachusetts



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References:
New York Times, July 3, 2000