New Immigrants Settle in New Orleans
It was news when the Sher family became one of the first survivor families to settle in New Orleans. The Shers had languished in Displaced Persons camps in Germany since 1945. Immigration restrictions made it difficult to settle in the United States until President Harry Truman and Congress reversed national policy. New Orleans was one of several officially designated ports of entry for survivors. Between 1949 and 1952, 36 ships arrived in New Orleans carrying over 6,000 Jewish DP’s. The new immigrants were met at the gangplank by members of the Port and Dock Committee of the Service to the Foreigh Born program. This program was sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women. The immediate needs of the travellers were addressed and there were provisions for long term socialization. Most survivors went on to other destinations. Approximately 50 families remained in New Orleans and made it their permanent home.
Read the March 15, 1949 Times-Picayune article “Can’t Believe Dream Is True, Says Family Settling Here.”
Photo Credit: Permission granted by The Times-Picayune Publishing Corp. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
