NCJW Criticizes Pace of Katrina Recovery

August 28, 2007, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today expressed its deep disappointment and frustration at the slow pace of recovery from Katrina on the Gulf coast, especially in New Orleans. NCJW President Phyllis Snyder released the following statement:

"On the second anniversary of Katrina, the pace of recovery on the Gulf Coast, particularly New Orleans, is excruciatingly slow. Housing and public services are still in dire straits. Public transportation is practically nonexistent, and the number of schools, hospitals, and child care centers reopened is grossly insufficient. Two years later, the lack of focus and urgency is inexcusable. By nearly every measure the recovery effort has fallen short.

"After Katrina, NCJW partnered with Women of the Storm, a broad based group of Louisiana women organized to bring congressional attention to the magnitude of the disaster there. With them, we again call on Congress and President Bush to jumpstart our failing recovery program with much-needed funds and expertise.

"NCJW remains in awe of the determination and resilience of so many in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast to reestablish their homes and communities. With signs of devastation still overwhelming in many neighborhoods, it is clear that the efforts of government at all levels do not match the resolve of the people still there. As a nation, we must do better."

NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.

Contact:
Debbie Stillman
202 296 2588 x2; debbie@ncjwdc.org