Beit Shemesh Remembers Its Founders

On Monday, May 13 , 2019, Rechov HaMasger's name was changed to Mevo Avner, in memory of Avner Cohen z"l, in a festive ceremony with the Cohen family and his nephew, the minister Tzachi Hanegbi.

The decision to change the street's name to Mevo Avner was decided by the Committee of Names headed by the previous mayor, Moshe Abutbul in August 2018.

Avner Cohen z"l was the owner of the Avco chemical factory, in the Northern Ezor Ta'asia of Beit Shemesh. He contributed very much to the economy of Beit Shemesh and employed many of its residents. Additionally, he and his wife Dina founded a Yemenite Shul in Beit Shemesh.

The mayor, Dr. Aliza Bloch said at the ceremony, "Tonight we changed the name of Rechov HaMasger to Mevo Avner in memory and honor of Avner Cohen z"l. Avner was blessed from a young age with remarkable leadership skills, he served in the IDF as a paratrooper officer in the Kadesh War. He studied textile engineering and engaged in world-wide trade. However, he wasn't dazzled by the big world and chose to build his textile factory, Avco, here in Beit Shemesh. Avner z"l was very involved in the day to day life of the small city of old Beit Shemesh. He even founded the Beit Yosef Yemenite Shul here in Beit Shemesh, in memory of his dear father.

The decision to name a street after Avner Cohen z"l is an important statement being made by the Iriya of Beit Shemesh, emphasizing the importance of values, simplicity and loyalty. As we build Beit Shemesh into the city of the future, we will not forget those loyal residents who built our city. From today, every person that will walk down Mevo Avner can stop and think to himself what he can take from this great man."