Frum Jackson Resident Missing in New Orleans; UPDATE: $10,000 Cash Reward Offered

A 33-year-old frum Jackson resident has been missing in New Orleans, Louisiana, since last Thursday, the day he was scheduled to return from a business trip to the city.

Michael Gelfand, a Jackson resident with children in Lakewood schools, was officially reported missing on January 11th, when New Orleans Police took up the case after family members were unable to contact him.

New York State Police, New Jersey State Police, NYPD, US Marshal’s Service and the New Orleans Police Department are participating in the search for missing man, and additional resources are expected to be employed in the search in the coming hours and days if he is not located before then.

Anyone with additional information about Gelfand’s whereabouts is asked to contact NOPD Eighth District detectives at 504-658-6080.

Please be Mispallel for Mordechai ben Shira Golda.

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38 COMMENTS

  1. I know Mordy for a long time. I know nothing about the story and haven’t kept up with him lately, but i want to clarify to all TLS readers that he is a healthy, warm, wonderful individual. No issues!

    I assume “do not approach” means nefarious play is suspect, and NOT that he is a danger to society, etc.

    May HaShem help bring him home soon!

  2. Mordy is the absolute warmest, nicest, and most humble being on the planet. A true mentch and Ben Torah.
    New Orleans has a lot of opportunities for business, and there are good Yidden there all week, but too many areas of the city are simply beyond dangerous, and many of its inhabitants have no value for life.
    May we hear only besuros tovos ad may Hashem send a Yeshua for this Matzav.

    • Mordy is the sales director for a company that sells clothing to the military. He was probably on a business trip to meet with a client at the DOD in NOLA. Besoros Tovos.

  3. Mordy is the absolute warmest, nicest, and most humble being on the planet. A true mentch and Ben Torah.
    New Orleans has a lot of opportunities for business, and there are good Yidden there all week, but too many areas of the city are simply beyond dangerous, and many of its inhabitants have no value for life.
    May we hear only besuros tovos and may Hashem send a Yeshua for this Matzav.

  4. when there were other out of state disasters the government sent a group of experts and volunteers to that area to assist in rescue and recovery

  5. Why is this story not evoking a more serious response? Why don’t we have all our resources down there searching like when a man drowned in Virginia? This is a very long time for a frum man not to be in touch with his family.

  6. Mordy always has the sweetest smile on him, always has a good joke or idea to share! Always wanting to help other people especially guys starting new businesses. Davening for him to be found healthy bez”h super fast!

    Is there anything we can do? I would go to New Orleans in a heartbeat to help out in any way possible. Maybe give out fliers in the area that he was last seen?

    If anyone knows anyway we can help out please post here. (Obviosuly we will continue davening!)

    • Please don’t go to New Orleans on your own to look for him unless you’re part of an organized effort. It’s a very dangerous city if one ventures by error on the wrong blocks Hashem Yerachem. May we hear Besoros Tovos very soon.

  7. TLS is doing the right thing by publicizing this but people in Louisiana don’t generally read Lakewood posts. Maybe someone can contact the Rabbis at Chabad and Congregation Beth Israel (Orthodox) — both in Metarie LA, which is very close to New Orleans. Since it’s a matter of pikuach nefesh I’m sure they’ll take it seriously and help spread the word. If Mordy/Michael needs any help he might gravitate to the next nearest Jewish community. The more people who know of this case, the better.

    Btw I agree with “calling Trenton” & Devorah—why hasn’t there been a strong response from our state & the frum Lakewood area? I’ve been down South & didn’t have a great experience with the attitude toward Jews so I wouldn’t trust the authorities there to be exerting themselves on the case..

  8. I am with Devorah and Jack. Can we please be Mekabel something? Can someone please post Tehillim link? Are people helping in a practical way? Is there anyone to contact? Please Hashem help us!

  9. Raboisai- this is a sad story. Let’s stop posting questions and personal feelings about this fluid situation. Teffilos is the only thing one can do unless otherwise instructed by family, law enforcement or gedoloi torah.

Comments are closed.