On the eve of the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Jewish community leaders in New Orleans are enthusiastic about the future of the city’s Jewish community, and declaring that new opportunities in the community and the city are attractive to young Jewish singles and families and can help the Jewish community attract 1000 families over the next 5 years.

“Our most important strategy is working to tell Jews around North America about how wonderful the city is and the great opportunities that exist here,” explained Michael Weil, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of New Orleans.  “Unfortunately, some of the negative pictures and stories that people associate with New Orleans paint an inaccurate portrait of our community. Many Jewish institutions, jobs, great housing, and a fun city full of activities and culture are only the start of what New Orleans has to offer.”

The Jewish Federation has put together a package of services and incentives including hospitality, assistance in finding jobs and free one year memberships at synagogues and the JCC and NCJW to make the transition smoother.

Rabbi Uri Topolosky, a young Rabbi who recently moved from New York with his wife and two children to take the helm of Beth Israel Synagogue, highlights the financial incentives packages that the community and the city have to offer.  “Our synagogue is offering $1000 in a monthly rent subsidy to a limited number of qualified candidates who move here and join our congregation,” he said.  He points to additional incentives offered by the local Jewish Federation as a way of attracting young families, including a moving grant of up to $3000, housing loan of up to $15,000, and rental assistance of up to $2500.  The city is also offering up to $98,000 in loan forgiveness to attract medical professionals.

The local community is heavily counting on continued alliances with Jewish organization around the US, including the United Jewish Communities (UJC), which helped provide $28 million for Jew and no-Jews in the Gulf affected by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Part of this money is what allowed the 19 Jewish agencies and synagogues to recover over the last two years. Also active have been local Federations in other communities, synagogues, and Jewish organizations.  The Orthodox Union, Rabbinical Council of America, and Yeshiva University partnered together to raise significant funds, and local Jewish leaders hope they will partner in determining how the remaining funds will be spent to help the local community.  The New Orleans community is also looking for support and partnership from foundations and philanthropists to help implement its long term strategic plan for rebuilding and renewal.  Next week the UJC will be partnering with KaBoom to build a new playground in New Orleans in one of the neighborhoods.

Most importantly, Michael Weil is leading the effort to ensure that the public is aware of the positive opportunities in the city.  “There are great job opportunities here, a strong, warm Jewish community, a city bursting with culture and excitement, and more.  If people would be aware of the positive attributes of the city, we believe we can attract many young families to relocate.”

In the past 2 years, close to 200 new Jewish families have moved to the area, and many more have enquired about the opportunities available.  On the eve of the second anniversary of Katrina, the city’s Jewish community is opening its arms and welcoming people to its nine synagogues, two JCCs, two day schools, two kosher restaurants and other facilities, as well as the vitality and enthusiasm that may be missing from other big cities. And what no other city can offer in the same way – a chance to be part of shaping history.