The Jewish community of New Orleans has never been more galvanized nor more committed to the State of Israel than over the course of the past several weeks as tensions ignited into open conflict between the factions in Hamas and the Israeli government. Even though a shaky cease-fire had gone into effect just prior to Thanksgiving, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans was compelled to have the entire community react, reaching across all Reform, Conservative and Orthodox branches of Judaism to rally for the Jewish state.
The outpouring of support was palpable and notable. Both Louisiana Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter appeared in person to lend their unwavering support and Israel Consul General Meir Shlomo arrived from Houston to join with the local Jewish community to express a continued commitment to the most developed and most democratic state in the Middle East. Sister city Rosh Ha’Ayin Mayor Moshe Sinai was recruited to speak via videotape from the Holy Land and several other politicians, such as Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, sent greetings and letters of support in absentia.
The rally was necessary to counter a much smaller, yet highly vocal pro-Palestinian group that gathered on Saturday to denounce Israel for its actions during the recent flare-up. Now that the missiles have ceased to fly through the air, the war of words will be engaged in an ongoing effort to capture the hearts and consciences of the rest of the world. The actions of the Hamas militants over the past year as they lobbed missile after missile into Sderot, Ashkelon and other communities were inexcusable. Israel’s decision to assassinate the military leader of Hamas was directly responsible for the outbreak of the latest hostilities, but who can blame them for seizing on the opportunity to attempt to halt the onslaught of attacks? Operation Pillar of Defense is another in a string of carefully conducted campaigns to inflict maximum damage on the terrorist organization but with minimum harm to innocent civilians. The death toll of over 160 Palestinians may not indicate it, but the Israel Defense Forces have held back from an all out war against Hamas, continuing to provide necessary utilities and services to Gaza while being relentlessly shelled by bigger and more accurate rockets. Hamas continues to insulate itself with civilians and when Israeli reprisals occur, a larger than necessary loss of life may occur.
New Orleans’ Jewish community can be proud they have unashamedly stood up for Israel. Israelis, who credit American technology like the Iron Dome defense system with saving untold lives there, are grateful for moral support as well as economic help during these troubling times. An emergency Israel Terrorist fund has been set up by the Jewish Federations of North America to advocate for Israel and to provide for defense. We encourage the New Orleans Jewish community to continue to stand with Israel as the cease-fire continues to hold.
