Abba Cohen

Abba Cohen (born 1955 or 1956 ) is an American rabbi who serves as Vice President for Government Affairs and Washington Office director of Agudath Israel of America. He acts as an advocate for the Orthodox Jewish community in Washington, D.C., and has worked with seven presidential administrations and 19 Congresses.

Biography Cohen attended Johns Hopkins University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree, the Columbia University School of International Affairs, where he received his graduate degree of Master of International Affairs, and Georgetown University Law Center, where he received his Juris Doctor. he was appointed as its Washington Office director by Moshe Sherer. In February 2019, he was appointed to the wider position of Vice President for Government Affairs.

Cohen's work focuses on issues such as religious freedom, yeshiva education, and combating antisemitism. His efforts have increased awareness about the needs and concerns of Orthodox Jewry within the federal government.

In June 2015, Cohen was appointed as a member of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad by President Barack Obama. In January 2021, he was appointed to serve on the Department of Homeland Security's Faith-Based Security Advisory Council.

In February 2025, the Agudah announced Cohen would be stepping down from the organization.