Responding to the Tragic Attack in New Orleans

We share in the outrage over the terrorist attack in New Orleans early this morning, and in the prayers and sympathy we all extend to the families of the victims and the injured. We would like to share the following notes for all Federation leaders:
 

  • We send our love and express our gratitude to our colleagues at the Jewish Federation of New Orleans for their important work today. As has been reported, two Israelis were seriously injured in the attack, and at least a couple of the other injured persons are Jewish. Our colleague Robert French, the CEO of the New Orleans Federation, reports that “both injured Israelis are out of surgery, with one being in ICU. Both have a long road to recovery. Family members are driving or flying in. The Deputy Consul General for Israel- Southwest has flown in from Houston and visited them. All the injured Jewish persons have been visited by clergy and/or some community members.” The Federation is working with the local community on an emergency fund and we will forward that information when it is available. The Jewish Federation of New Orleans’ Community Security Initiative is fully activated and working closely with SCN to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.

 

  • Jewish Federations of North America has been in close touch with our partners at SCN, ADL, CSI-NY (serving the greater New York area), and CSS. The following statement is the shared view of all security partners:


    In the aftermath of the terrible attack in New Orleans, the Jewish Federations of North America, the Secure Community Network, ADL, Community Security Initiative-NY, and the Community Security Service have all been in close coordination. As of this time, we are not aware of any specific threat to the Jewish community from this particular incident. All Jewish Federation community security programs are on alert, especially with regard to any large public gatherings that may be occurring associated with the holiday season or otherwise. We encourage all organizations and institutions to review and adapt physical security plans and procedures in coordination with law enforcement and security/safety partners.

     
  • Today’s terrible attack is a reminder of the importance of every Federations’ commitment to the safety and security of our community. We are so grateful for the tremendous efforts at building and maintaining security program serving the entire community, which we know come at enormous cost in time and resources. Our research also shows that it is important to remind our communities at these times that community security efforts are in place and activated. We encourage such messages and are happy to work with you on any materials you might need. Feel free to contact Niv Elis directly for communications assistance or, as always, anyone at Jewish Federations of North America will help you get the support you need.

 

Click here to send letters of support to the victims of this tragic attack.


Thank you for all you are doing. Let us all be vigilant and make sure our communities know we are working to keep everyone safe and secure.