Dear Friends,
As we approach this weekend full of Pride celebrations (Pride Shabbat and Pride Parade) and the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, I reflect on the importance of embracing diversity and the celebration of allyship.
Creating a strong, secure and united Jewish community is at the forefront of Federation’s mission, and we do this in many ways. Our support for local Jewish life and for Israel is clearly evident, and of paramount importance. But, as important, is welcoming diversity and building relationships, especially in these unprecedented times. All marginalized communities need allies.
We are proud to support our LGBTQ+ community through the JPNOLA (Jewish Pride NOLA) program. We will enthusiastically celebrate our diverse community on Friday night at Pride Shabbat and, again, at the Pride Parade. Our Behar Center for Jewish-Multicultural Affairs creates programs and initiatives designed to foster understanding, shared purpose, and genuine connection across communities. Our upcoming Juneteenth Seder at Xavier University brings people together for a celebration of liberation and meaningful relationship-building. We have shared about the Center’s tangible impact in New Orleans with many of you at recent events and are excited by the results of this work in our community.
We hope and pray for the day that love colors our world and that we all celebrate tolerance, diversity and differences.
Am Yisrael Chai,
Robert French
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
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