The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans is extending its successful Newcomer's Incentive Program by six months, through June, 2008.  The Program is a combination of grants, incentives, loans, free memberships, and relocation advice to assist newcomers in acclimating to New Orleans.

Jewish newcomers moving to New Orleans before June 30, 2008 are encouraged to apply for assistance, which includes moving grants, rental grants, housing and business loans, and reduced tuition at the New Orleans Jewish Day School.  Our community has already welcomed about 520 new Jewish members, and the Federation has received hundreds of inquiries from Jews who are considering a move to our area. 

Federation President Dr. Michael Wasserman has called the Newcomers Incentive Program “the Jewish Federation’s flagship effort.”  He is currently working to secure funding that would enable the community to extend the program over the next 3-5 years.  "We are seeing a lot of interest in our community from Jews seeking to leave larger cities.  We offer the amenities of a big city, with the warmth and flavor of a small town,” he said. 

Dr. Wasserman highlighted some of the key benefits in New Orleans.  "We believe young Jewish couples in big cities may be attracted to the affordable housing and low tuition rates that an out-of-town community can offer.  And as a doctor, I know that there are a lot of job openings in health care, and we are seeing similar opportunities in law, real estate, construction, and other areas, which may help attract singles and young couples."

With the influx of newcomers, many of whom are single, Jewish 20- and 30-somethings are finding an active, exciting social life.  Jewish groups such as the Young Jews of the Crescent City (YJCC) and the Federation’s Young Adult Division (YAD) provide networking and social action opportunities.  

In support of the community's efforts, Jewish internet dating sites JDate and JRetro Match are now offering free memberships to newcomers to New Orleans.  And all of Federation’s original partners including the JCC, every greater New Orleans synagogue, Hadassah and the National Council of Jewish Women have renewed their commitment to offer complimentary one-year memberships to all Jewish newcomers.  The New Orleans Jewish Day School is offering special newcomer scholarships to ensure a first class education to new Jewish residents with young children.

For inquiries regarding the Newcomers’ Program, please contact Jennifer Samuels, Newcomer Coordinator at Jennifer@jewishnola.com or 504-780-5612.

In other great news for our community, Federation Executive Director Michael Weil announced the latest estimate of the local Jewish population has topped 7,100!  This number reflects Jews currently residing in the greater New Orleans area, and includes over 500 newcomers since Hurricane Katrina.  "Returning former residents and newcomers continue to increase our numbers,” said Weil.  "Newcomers have been attracted to our area, not only because of the incentives we are offering, but because of increased job opportunities and the warm, friendly Jewish community.  Our research also shows that former residents are continuing to return to the area, two and a half years after Katrina forced an evacuation of the city."

The Newcomers Program is made possible through a partnership with local Jewish agencies and synagogues including Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Community Center, New Orleans Jewish Day School, Anshe Sfard, Congregation Beth Israel, Chabad Center, Congregation Gates of Prayer, Northshore Jewish Congregation, Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, Temple Sinai, Touro Synagogue, Hadassah, the National Council of Jewish Women, as well as our partners in the cyber world JDate and JRetro Match.  Funding has been made available by the Jewish Federations of Los Angeles and Orange County and other funding sources.