Reform Jewish Leaders Meet in New Oreleans, Renewing Focus on Oil Disaster

 Contact: Eric Harris
202.618.0722 | news@rac.org

Who: The Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism (CSA), composed of rabbinic and lay leaders of America's largest Jewish denomination, will be meeting in New Orleans from Saturday, October 23rd to Tuesday, October 26th.

 

What: The Commission will focus on the Gulf Coast as it continues to recover from the BP Oil Spill and Hurricane Katrina. Commission members will spend the day Monday touring the region and learning about recovery efforts including a day-long tour of the Gulf Coast area.

 

Where: The tour will leave from the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans, and will begin in "Cancer Alley," the heavily industrialized corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The tour will also highlight a variety of features unique to South Louisiana, all of which were deeply impacted by the spill. These include oiled wetlands and the small communities that rely on the seafood industry for daily survival.

 

When: Monday, October 25, 2010. 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Why: Reform Jews and the Religious Action Center have long been at the forefront of faith-based social justice advocacy. This year's meeting in New Orleans will bring more attention to the challenges the Gulf Coast faces as well as our collective responsibilities in repairing the world.

 

How: A limited number of seats are available on the bus itself. In addition, CSA leadership including Director Mark Pelavin, Chair Dr. Cheryl Gutmann and Religious Action Center Director Rabbi David Saperstein will be available for comment. For a full schedule or any further information contact RAC Press Secretary Eric Harris at 202.618.0722 (he will be in New Orleans as of Saturday night).