Zion Cohen was born on August 5^th, 1929, in the Iraqi city of Zacho in Kurdistan to Regina and Rahamim, and was the third of their seven children. His father Rahamim was a teacher of Judaism. In 1934, the family immigrated to Israel and lived in Nachlaot in Jerusalem. Zion went to the “Doresh Zion” school, but due to the family’s financial difficulties, he left his studies to help support the family.

Zion was active in the “Noar HaOved” youth movement, and at the age of sixteen he enlisted in Lehi and earned the nickname “Shaul”. Until the declaration of independence, Zion took part in various operations, including hanging posters and planting IEDs. He injured his leg in an attack in Romema in Jerusalem, but he immediately returned to operational activity. In addition, Zion took part in the battle in Dir Yassin in April 1948. With the declaration of independence of the State of Israel in May 1948, Zion participated in a battle held near the “Sha’ar Hadash” in the Old City of Jerusalem, during which he was wounded in the hand and head by an Arab sniper. He underwent an operation and about two months later he rejoined the fighter ranks, despite having remaining shrapnel in his body, one of which was located near his heart.

In 1955, Zion married Rebecca (Latifah) nee. Zedekiahu. They lived in Jerusalem in Nachalaot and then in the German Colony neighborhood. Rebecca and Zion had five children, thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They experienced tragedy when their second child, Matzliach, was killed in a car accident in 1963 when he was five years old. Throughout the years, Zion worked as a truck driver and was a member of the “Mahapach”, a cooperative trucking association in Jerusalem.

From 1994 to 1999, he served as CEO of “Mahapach” and led the association to much success and prosperity, until his retirement at the age of 70. Zion died on July 21, 2018. Three weeks after his death, his youngest son Doron died of cancer.

Zion was an honest and humble man who loved his country, was loyal to his people and was devoted to his family. He took pride in his Jewish heritage and adhered to tradition. These are the values upon which he educated his children.