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From Alana Kayfetz, Western Hillel Staff

I was so excited to come to New Orleans. Upon learning of this trip, I opened up the opportunity to the students at Western Hillel in London, Ontario. There was an overwhelming response of students who were instead in rebuilding homes hit by Katrina. In the end, four lucky students took the spots.

I, along with my students, left London and headed to NOLA. After a train, a taxi, a plane and another plane, we finally arrived. We were extremely tired, after a 4:30 am departure, but once we landed at Louis Armstrong International Airport, we were overwhelmed and thrilled.

Over the course of our five day experience, we saw the past, present and future of New Orleans. We saw the nothingness of the Lower 9^th ward, the excitement of Jewish campus life at Tulane and the colorful parties of Burbourn Street and the beginning of Mardi Gras parades. However, the most important experience was the time we spent renovating a home at the corner of Fig and Hamilton in Holly Grove New Orleans. I, along with my four students spent a total of 17 hours over a two day period installing insulation into a “shotgun” style home. This house belonged to Ms. Gibbs, an 86 year old woman, a living legend in the area. I really gained an appreciation for the construction workers and volunteers who came before me to help repair New Orleans. I also began to realize how much work there is to be done two and a half years after the storm. I have made a promise to myself and to my students that we will return to NOLA in the near future. This was just a tease; a small sampling of what New Orleans has to offer and I encourage those of us in the Jewish community to reach our Tzedek arm in the direction of this bright and unique community. Every person who learned of our mission thanked us for giving a hand, however I want to thank them because I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the rebuilding story.