Ida Weis Friend, 1868-1963
Long-lived and energetic, Ida Weis Friend maintained a steady presence in the city for almost a century. After raising her four children, she founded New Orleans’s chapter of Hadassah in 1917, and soon after led the chapter of B’nai B’rith (founded in 1843 to support Jewish communities globally and assist people of all faiths in humanitarian relief). She worked for women’s suffrage, became the first woman to serve as a Louisianan representative to the 1920 Democratic National Convention, and acted as one of two female delegates to the state’s constitutional convention in 1921. She lent her skills to the Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Travelers Aid Society, the Consumer League, the Commission on Interracial Cooperation, and the Urban League. She was a happy and convivial person, remembered as supportive of Le Petit Theatre and the Philharmonic Society.
Friend was also a leader of the “Broom Brigade,” a group of women whose brooms symbolized cleaning up city hall. At a moment when women transitioned from behind-the-scenes persuasion to wielding power publically, the “Broom Brigade” was central to Chep Morrison’s 1946 successful mayoral campaign and gave the women access to Morrison as they pushed progressive ideas.
Friend nurtured future leaders and civic activists, especially women. Sara Stone remembered her leadership and influence in her early years with NCJW in the 1940s.
Ida Friend with Mayor Morrison, ca. 1946. National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section records, Manuscripts Collection 667, Louisiana Research Collection, Tulane University.
Ida Friend mentoring younger Woman, ca. 1950. National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section records, Manuscripts Collection 667, Louisiana Research Collection, Tulane University.
I have always thought that citizenship was a privilege that carried with it responsibilities, primarily, as our spiritual leaders tell us, that ‘we are our brothers’ keepers.’ and therefore, we should promote in every way possible the progress and prestige of the community in which we live.
Ida Weis Friend’s life is featured in the book Claiming Notability for Women Activists in Religion, published by Books@Atla Open Press in 2020. The book is the first in a series. The book is open access and can be read on the Books@Atla Open Press Website here.
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