Release #358-00

 

Contact:	Sunny Mindel / Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958
	Bob Lawson (PARKS) (212) 360-131

Mother and Dedicated Public Servant Remembered for Her Joy and Spirit

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today dedicated a playground honoring the memory of Rachel Haber Cohen at Kolbert Park near Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. Haber Cohen worked at NYC 2000, the Mayor's Office for the Millennium, before she became suddenly ill and passed away in March, 2000. At the ceremony, the Mayor joined Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern and Haber Cohen's parents, Manny and Shari Haber, in unveiling a plaque honoring Haber Cohen's memory at the playground where she played as a child.

"The dedication of a portion of this park where Rachel used to play is a small but enduring gesture of our love and respect for her," Mayor Giuliani said. "It means that she will have a lasting marker in the City where she was born, a place where her friends, family, and most importantly her beloved daughter, Esther, can come to remember and honor her."

Also joining the Mayor at the dedication ceremony were many of Haber Cohen's colleagues from NYC 2000 and the Mayor's Office. World-renowned artist Peter Max unveiled and presented to Haber Cohen's parents a portrait he painted of her.

Born at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn in 1971, Haber Cohen was the only daughter of Manny and Shari Haber. In 1989, she graduated from Flatbush Yeshiva High School and enrolled in New York University (NYU). After graduating from NYU with a degree in communications, Haber Cohen settled in Midwood along Ocean Parkway. In 1995, she gave birth to her beloved daughter, Esther. Four years later, Haber Cohen joined the Mayor's Office, working at NYC 2000. Her assistance in preparing for the millennium proved invaluable as she helped to organize the Millennium Fashion Show in Times Square, as well as the New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square and throughout the City.

Bounded by Avenue L, East 17th and East 18th Streets, this parkland also honors the memory of two other Midwood residents. The park takes its name from Paul W. Kolbert (1925-1945), a fallen World War II soldier and hero. The Rivka Greenberg Trencher Swing Area is named for Rivka Greenberg Trencher (1952-1991) who grew up in the neighborhood and was instrumental in the reinstallation of swings to the park.