Shimon Peres, z''l

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, joins the world Jewish community as we deeply mourn the passing of Shimon Peres, z”l, universally recognized as one of Israel’s greatest leaders and one of North American Jewry’s closest Israeli friends.

The last serving member of Israel’s founding generation, an eloquent spokesperson for his country and a strong advocate for Jewish peoplehood, Peres was both a pragmatist and unwaveringly optimistic that Israel would reach peace with its neighbors. He dedicated his life to that pursuit, having held nearly every cabinet position during his storied career, serving twice as prime minister and once as president.

He had an air of grace about him, never forgot his humble beginnings in Poland and believed in dreaming big. Many will remember the historic signing of the Peace Accords on the White House lawn in 1994 and the almost unheard of handshake with his arch enemy Yasser Arafat.
 

“Shimon Peres was a giant of a man, young at heart and mind at 93,” said Michael Weil, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. “He was a beacon of sanity and liberalism, who mastered both the art of warfare and the craft of peacemaking.”

His legacy and place in history will live on. May the memory of Shimon Peres be a blessing, and may his family, be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Fete de Federation - thank you, New Orleans!

On Thursday, September 22, the Jewish Federation welcomed more than 250 members of our Greater New Orleans Jewish community to the Audubon Tea Room, for Fete de Federation, which featured our 2016 election and celebrated the success of our 2016 Annual Campaign and our award winners. Thank you to everyone who attended! Couldn't make it? Check out this video about our 2016 award winners, and stay tuned for photos from the event.

 

Federation launches 2017 Allocations Process for Beneficiary Agencies

All organizations are invited to submit applications to receive funding as a Beneficiary Agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. A percentage of the Federation annual campaign funds are designated for this purpose and all Jewish agencies and organizations are invited to apply. When considering allocation requests, the Allocations Committee will take into account the impact the particular organization has on the local Jewish community, the need for funding and projected local benefit. Please note that preference will be made for local organizations. Synagogues and other places of worship are not eligible to apply.

More information about applying for Beneficiary Agency funding, including eligibility requirements, criteria for funding and access to the Beneficiary Agency Application Questionnaire is available here.

The Allocations Committee will accept electronic and/or paper applications until Friday, September 30. Questions? Please contact Jayne Stillman at 504-780--5612 or at jayne@jewishnola.com.