Ervin Kohn was born in Budapest in 1955. He came to Norway with his parents in 1960 when his father, Jenø Kohn, became the kantor and a teacher in the community.
Ervin became the president in 2010, and chairman and president in 2011. He resigned as chair in 2018, and continued as president.
He is has a business degree, and has worked in the private sector for most of his career; 18 years as the leader of the furniture manufacturer Savo. Since 2013 he has been working for The Norwegian Centre Against Racism.
Ervin married his high school sweetheart Mariann, who is also a pillar of the community. She was the chairwoman of the kindergarten for 13 years, the leader of WIZO, and together they have three children and seven grandchildren. All children are also active members of the community.