Joseph Cohen

Joseph Cohen (1889–1980) was a solicitor and property developer in Birmingham, England, and was chairman and managing director of the Jacey Cinemas chain. He was also a prominent figure in Birmingham's Jewish community.

Early life

Cohen was born in Birmingham on 22 June 1889, to a greengrocer father of Russian-Polish descent and a British mother. Raised in St. Vincent Street in the city's Ladywood district, he was educated at George Dixon Grammar School. All together he was involved with owning or operating fifty cinemas. Cohen's Birmingham news theatres had their own film crew, to record local events, led by his son, George. He also developed properties on what became Jacey Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham and Jacey Road, Shirley, Solihull.

Philanthropy and memberships Cohen served as secretary of the Jewish Literary and Debating Society, and of the Birmingham Jewish Athletic Club. He held "almost every executive position" during 40 years with the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation, and was credited with being responsible for the stained glass windows at the city's main synagogue, Singers Hill, where he was chairman of the council from 1944 to 1954. The Joseph Cohen Hall, adjacent to the synagogue, is named in his honour, and the synagogue has several plaques honouring his contributions. He also sat on the board of the University of Birmingham, He continued his legal practice until in his late seventies.

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