In the Aftermath of Hurrican Katrina

Pictured here are Allan Finkelstein, President Emeritus at JCC Association, former JCC Association Chairman Jerome Makowsky, and former JCC Association Vice President Ann Eisen, offering support and service to survivors of Hurricane Katrina ten years ago.‪#‎Katrina10‬ Allan Finkelstein remembers vividly his experience offering help a decade ago together with JCC Associations executives and presidents, who worked with NECHAMA - Jewish Response to Disaster, to set up a half day that included a tour of the affected area including a heavily damaged synagogue. They then worked to clean up a YWCA child care center. "In Jewish life when we speak of "tikkun olam," we want to repair the world, making it better for others," said Finkelstein. "Our experience post-Katrina with NECHAMA was, to this day, acknowledged as the most meaningful engagement for our leadership. Even those who said "oh i cant do that because...." ended up deeply involved in very physical, difficult work--because it was so very meaningful." 
Says Cary Minkoff, former CEO of the JCC of Kansas City and also worked for the New Orleans JCC, "It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since this disaster. I am very proud to have been part of that effort in a great city which I resided and was significant in my growth both professionally and personally."

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