Cohen, Judah

views updated

COHEN, JUDAH

COHEN, JUDAH (c. 1700), community leader of Algiers and diplomat serving the ruler of Tunisia, Murād Bey. In 1699 Cohen was authorized by the bey and his council to negotiate a peace treaty and trade agreement with the Dutch government. This assignment involved regular contacts with Tripoli, Tunisia, Algeria, and the Netherlands. A number of Jews helped him to carry out the negotiations, but they were conducted in a careless manner and lasted six years, 1702–08, instead of the sixteen months originally stipulated. Cohen made use of his high position to benefit the Jews.

bibliography:

Hirschberg, Afrikah, 2 (1965), 124–6.

More From encyclopedia.com