OP-ED: A health crisis of one means solidarity for all
When word first reached the Crescent City Jewish News of a very serious health challenge facing Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans CEO Arnie Fielkow, there was a sense of irony about it. As sick as Fielkow may be, the Jewish Federation has never been on more solid ground or more financially healthy than this previous year.
The Annual Campaign, which had been static for the previous decade following recovery from Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, finally broke past its sluggishness and registered more than a $100,000 gain. Fielkow’s engaging personality and public persona captured the outside public’s respect and imagination, who recalled the excellent leadership he showed previously as a New Orleans City Council member. In short, Federation has never been better on several fronts.
In an August 23 letter addressed to the entire Federation membership, Fielkow publicly revealed for the first time news of his disorder and the course for a treatment plan. Fielkow also expressed thanks to all of those who have supported him in his first year of office and during this “health challenge.” These include his staff, Federation board members and close friends. Paramount among these will be Sherry Tarr, the Federation COO, whom he noted will be stepping up to take the reins of top leadership while he is away seeking treatment in Nashville for the next several months.
The CCJN stands ready to assist Federation in whatever tasks it may require during Fieklow’s absence in the coming weeks and months. We have been pleased to work with his new administration and his focus of making Federation more visible and relevant to the outside community while at the same time raising awareness to its constituency of the work it needs to do.
At this time we wish the Fielkow family the very best while treatment is sought and urge the New Orleans Jewish community to stand in support for “Arnie” during this difficult period. This is the time we need to show our support through our prayers and our continued commitment to the goals Federation has set in place.
As we approach the High Holidays and the onset of a new year, we should reflect on the amazing progress made in such a short time by Fielkow and his staff. We hope this is a small bump in the road for his administration and that he shall enjoy a speedy refuah shlemah (complete healing) and be restored to us in a very short time to come.
