Steve Lear and I just returned yesterday from Hattiesburg, MS, where we attended a meeting with representatives from many small Jewish communities along the Gulf Coast. I was struck by two things that I particularly wanted to share with you. First, these people and their communities have been through an awful lot. It’s hard to understand what it means to lose everything and have your life turned upside down until you actually meet the people and hear them tell their stories. They recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done before they can say life is back to normal. And I have to tell you; they live in fear of the next Storm! The second thing, on a more positive note, is I was so proud to be part of Nechama! Steve and Gene (who drove over from New Orleans with our truck and trailer) gave wonderful presentations about who we are, what we do, and why we do it. And it was obvious that we have made both an impact in the region as well as made many friends. You all would have k’velled!

- Jon Weiss