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winter 2004

An important ORT Cuba has a lot to celebrate - role for ORT at after three successful years of activity it has pioneered the first the UJC GA in website for the country’s Jewish . community and its members have Find out more on taken part in a historic visit to . pages 4-5 Discover more on page 6

ORT is preparing to welcome its guests with a JDC Executive Vice President. 125th year of Educating for Life: full programme of entertainment and high-profile The finale to the GA will be a Gala Dinner on speakers. More than 40 students from ORT schools Sunday 2nd May honouring outgoing President in Akko and Kiryat Tivon in Israel, Russia, Argentina, of World ORT, Justice ; World ORT General Assembly Ukraine, Bulgaria and will present Chairperson of World ORT’s Executive Committee, spectacular performances of music and dance. Reesé Feldman and Chairperson of World ORT’s Renowned personalities from the worlds of politics General Assembly, Zalman Shalev and announcing Arrangements are well under way for World ORT’s Tsarist Russia in 1880. It is also the first time in the and media and leaders of the Jewish community the appointment of new Officers. General Assembly (GA), which will take place history of ORT that the event has been held in the will bring their areas of expertise to the forefront of 1st – 3rd May at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York. United States. ORT’s connections with the US the World ORT agenda. Among those who have The GA takes place only once every four years and Jewish communities go back more than 80 years been invited to participate are Dr. , Full details of the GA are available from the GA provides a unique opportunity for ORT’s during which time American ORT, Women’s President of the Conference on Jewish Material Coordinator: professional staff, lay leaders, supporters and American ORT and the Federation system have Claims Against Germany and Chairman of the Fax: +44 20 7446 8653 friends to come together to review programmes raised hundreds of millions of dollars in support of Executive Committee of the World Jewish Email: [email protected] and to discuss future plans. the organisation’s educational activities. Holding Congress; Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice This year’s GA is full of historical significance. It the GA in New York gives World ORT the Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Book early to secure your place and avoid takes place as ORT prepares to celebrate its 125th opportunity to say “Thank you” to its many donors American Jewish Organisations; Steve disappointment. birthday, having been established in St Petersburg in and supporters from the North American continent. Hoffman, UJC President and Steve Schwager,

Educational Learning about Lauder ORT Science Initiative to be the Holocaust and Technology Centre established through Art inaugurated in Sofia World ORT has designed and created one of the most The Lauder ORT Science and Technology Centre network since 1998 when it was given national extensive online collections of Holocaust-era art, with was inaugurated at the Jewish High School, Sofia, status. Students study Hebrew at mother tongue with UK the completion of the second phase of its website Bulgaria in October 2003. The centre provides the level and participate in a variety of Jewish identity Learning About the Holocaust through Art. The site, school with modern facilities for the study of programmes. The school is a model of ethnic and launched in 2001 in conjunction with Beit Lohamei Science, Information and Communication cultural tolerance. Government Haghetaot (The Ghetto Fighters' House), and with Technology and increases the level of educational The Science and Technology Centre is the generous support of the Conference on Jewish programmes for the Sofia Jewish community. equipped with the best available educational Following the ceremony an agreement technology and will offer modern teaching Ivan Lewis MP, UKParliamentary Undersecretary of Material Claims Against Germany, now displays 250 between World ORT and the Bulgarian Ministry of facilities which will improve general methods of State for Skills and Vocational Education, visited ORT works of Holocaust artwork created by 27 artists, and Education and Science was signed to promote teaching. As a result of the upgraded facility the House on 25th November to discuss mutual is available in four languages: English, Hebrew, cooperation between the UK government and World ongoing cooperation in Information Technology school will be able to accommodate students up Spanish and Russian. and Computer Studies at primary and secondary to senior higher school level, bridging a gap in the ORT. During his visit Mr. Lewis was presented with an The website (http://art.holocaust-education.net/), in-depth look into ORT’s history, structure, schools and at further education establishments city’s Jewish education. an online exhibition of artwork created during and international activities and vision for the future and in Bulgaria. An integral part of the Centre will be its viewed examples of ORT’s multi media resources after the Holocaust, is possibly the only multilingual World ORT and the Ministry of Education and provision of training and support for teachers and and programmes. online resource of its kind. Providing high-quality Science will work together to improve both the other staff. Being part of ORT’s educational At the end of the visit Robert Singer, World ORT images and full documentation including artist educational environment for computer studies network in Eastern Europe, the Centre’s teachers Director General, said that, “the idea of establishing biographies, articles on the camps and ghettos, and and the knowledge possessed by Bulgarian will benefit from exchange programmes, seminars a working group between the UK Ministry of educational resources, Learning about the Holocaust teachers in the fields of technical education and and educational events with colleagues from Education and World ORT was discussed and we through Art is an invaluable art based resource for computer literacy, as well as develop the study of other countries where ORT has operations. agreed to continue working together to create Holocaust education and research, especially when technical education and computer literacy for “In addition to enhancing the school’s current educational opportunities.” combined with the accompanying biographical and primary and secondary school and college and facilities, the new Centre will concentrate on historical material. university students. All training will be carried out providing education - related opportunities for the following ORT methods. Jewish community, as has been the case with While Learning about the Holocaust through Art is World ORT and the Ministry will look to many similar ORT projects,” said Robert Singer, not a complete course in itself, it can be used to develop existing computer centres in Bulgaria World ORT’s Director General, “We are delighted supplement other teaching programmes. World ORT and establish new centres at educational that by opening a new Science and Technology plans to develop this resource further and to establishments servicing both schools and further Centre in Bulgaria, ORT can play an important incorporate it into programmes of study matched to education establishments role in the Bulgarian educational system,” particular national and subject curricula. The Jewish High School has been part of the he added. During the Holocaust artists were imprisoned in Ronald S. Lauder Foundation educational various camps and ghettos, each one providing At the inauguration ceremony, with different circumstances. In some cases works were flags representing those involved in the commissioned by the Jewish leadership; in others, by establishment of the Centre: Bulgarian the Nazi authorities; while some artists worked Minister of Education and Science, clandestinely, using materials from their official jobs Prof. Dr. Igor Damianov (left); as artists or draftsmen. The works of art document Director General of World scenes that would have been hard to capture in words ORT, Robert Singer; Vice and give an insight in to the lives of the inmates. They President of World ORT, Sir Maurice Hatter; are historical documents, and the first Executive Vice President to acknowledge their importance were the and CEO of the Ronald artists themselves. S. Lauder Foundation, With one of the foremost collections of art relating Dr. George Ban to the Holocaust and Jewish resistance, the Ghetto (back right). Sir Maurice Hatter, Vice President of World ORT Fighters’ House selected, photographed, researched (left); Ivan Lewis, MP, Parliamentary and documented the art works and provided Undersecretary of State for Skills and Vocational the accompanying biographies, articles and Education; and Robert Singer, Director General of World ORT. educational materials. 16978 World ORT oversize 23/2/04 11:35 am Page 2

Message from ORT Israel tackles Internet 40 years of ORT the Director propaganda in Argentinean A new initiative by ORT Israel will see the creation of an online hasbara (information) campaign as a reaction General to the growing number of websites that have appeared since September 2000, which voice anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiments and promote anti-Semitic and racist philosophies. The range of stories educational The project, to be called Israel Mitkavenet Eleha - Israel is online for you - will be produced by ORT covered in this issue of Israel, in conjunction with ORT’s National Council of Students, and provide a mouthpiece for youth World ORT Times once again bears testimony to around the world to react to Internet hatred. network Israel Mitkavenet Eleha will be established through a series of phases, the first of which is a the many ways in which ORT Argentina held its graduation ceremonies at multilingual website (www.israel1.org) launched in January 2004, with stories, poems and articles ORT – as it approaches its the Buenos Aires Opera House on November 24th 125th year – continues describing the personal feelings of ORT students from all over Israel. Included in the site are sections 2003, with a capacity audience of 2,500 which to make a difference to providing positive information on Israel, information on anti-Semitic events and the reaction of ORT included guest of honour, the Israeli Ambassador so many communities students, a dictionary of important phrases with definitions, interviews with prominent Israeli figures, a to Argentina, Binyamin Oron; political dignitaries; throughout the world. supervised forum allowing users from all over the world to express their views, visuals portraying daily members of American ORT and ORT South Africa; From all continents come life in Israel, English newsflashes from the Israeli media, and links to relevant sites. and local Jewish community officials. The accounts of ORT fundraising and operational As the campaign develops, organisers intend for ORT students in schools all over the country, fluent in activities carried out by groups of ceremonies, which honoured some 700 students, foreign languages, to be involved in copywriting which will be edited by teachers, specifically chosen to people devoted to the cause of Educating for took place as Escuela Técnica ORT celebrated its Life. They are responding to the demand supervise the site’s content. Students from around the world will be able to participate in online forums, 40th anniversary as part of the Argentinean of communities everywhere for the best sharing their emotions with their peers, and together they will bring their opinions to the fore. educational network. possible Jewish and general education for Yaacov Sapir, ORT Israel’s Chief Information Officer, initiated the project after hearing a lecture by their children. journalist Eli Hacohen, who will take on the role of advisor. Hacohen’s lecture described the worrying The successes that we have achieved over the phenomenon of Internet hate and the lack of any solid guidelines for providing an answer. Together Sapir years throughout the world have been and Hacohen drew up the project, possibly the first of its kind to bring young people together in this way. accomplished against a changing backdrop of “Our students are very enthusiastic about this project and feel it to be their contribution to Israeli society challenges – both regional and global – and the and a form of national service,” commented Sapir. realisation that it is only quality education that can assure sustainable future prosperity. In Israel, for example, the National Security Council, in its 2003 annual assessment, reports that the social-economic crisis – and not Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians Proposed VTC to – is the country's biggest existential threat. Recognising the importance of education and training in addressing this danger, the Council even be based upon recommends re-directing some of the country’s resources away from security to educational purposes. In Israel, as in other regions, ORT is at the ORT model In addition to the presentation of diplomas to forefront of providing the quality education that is The Kyrgyz Republic Minister of Education and Culture, graduating and outstanding students, ORT needed to shape a better world. Professor Ishenkul S. Boldjurova has expressed interest Argentina honoured personalities who have made a I am proud to say that the ORT message is in establishing an ORT VVocational Training Centre (VTC) spreading, and we have made many new friends this difference, including scientists, educators and in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz Republic), year. The General Assembly of the United Jewish academics. During the event ORT Argentina officials similar to the operation run by ORT in Moscow. Communities of the United States took place in stressed the importance of supporting ORT’s Jerusalem in November, and for the first time ORT At a recent visit to the ORT VTC at the ORT Moscow projects and paid tribute to the generations of its was represented as a fully recognised partner within Technical College, the Minister met with ORT’s professional graduates who have embodied the ideals of ORT. the North American Jewish Federation system. This staff including Avi Ganon, World ORT Representative in is extremely significant for us and represents the Russia, Belarus and Central Asia; Dr. Sergey Gorinskiy, Kyrgyz Republic Minister of Education and culmination of four years of intensive efforts on the Deputy Director of ORT Russia, Kevin Krogmann, Regional Culture, Prof. Ishenkul S. Boldjurova views part of our professionals and lay leaders. It will, I Coordinator for ORT International Cooperation in the CIS computer technology at the ORT VTC in believe, mark the beginning of a new period of and ; and Igor Pavlov, Director of the ORT VTC, Moscow. financial and organisational stability for ORT. where she learnt about ORT’s provision of education to While in Israel, some 300 GA delegates made adults in the CIS and Baltic States and the activities and special trips to ORT schools there in order to find facilities at the ORT VTC. out for themselves how we fulfil our vital mission. The Minister expressed her positive impressions of the VTC and announced that she is now seeking These visits helped to forge new bonds between international support for the next stage of the establishment of the new ORT Centre in Bishkek. ORT and the North American Jewish communities. Currently the only school in Bishkek that offers Jewish studies is “Pri Etz Chaim.” The school, which follows The strength of these new connections was the Kyrgyzstan National Curriculum, has a Department of Jewish Studies which offers courses in Hebrew, demonstrated, only a few days after the GA, when it Jewish History, Jewish Traditions, Tanach and Jewish Song and Dance. The new ORT school will therefore fill was revealed that a potentially tragic terrorist attack a void for the Jewish community of more than 2,000 members. on our school in Yokne’am – one of the sites visited The ORT VTC in Moscow, which opened in 1996, was established through the support of the UJA – had been narrowly averted. Our offices in Federation of New York; Deputy President of World ORT, Sir Maurice Hatter; Russian Federation Senator, London, Israel and the USA received numerous ; the Moscow Jewish Community and the local authorities. ORT Argentina Graduation Ceremonies at phone calls from many of our new friends asking the Buenos Aires Opera House. what they could do to help. From ORT’s earliest days, our continued ability to stay on-mission has been assured by the quality of our lay leadership. Each succeeding generation of ORT leaders has faithfully and energetically steered our organisation through the rough and the ORT KesherNet opens smooth of its own particular era. We cannot stop 100 years after the wheels of history from turning, and now we are about to bid farewell to three of our senior officers, in Belarus who are coming to the end of their terms of office: Kishiniev Justice Richard Goldstone our President, Reesé ORT has opened a new ORT KesherNet Centre in Belarus. The centre, located in the Gomel Jewish Feldman Chair of the Executive Committee and Community Centre, was inaugurated in November 2003 at a well attended ceremony attended by Zalman Shalev Chair of the World ORT General President of the Gomel Jewish Community, Vladimir Gershanok, representatives of Gomel women’s Pogrom: ORT Assembly. They have all devoted inordinate organizations and a number of foreign dignitaries, where Gomel’s Jewish School Choir provided a amounts of their considerable talent and musical interlude. experience to ORT, and the organisation is all the “At a time when the Jewish Agency has had to pull out of Belarus, we are proud that, together with School renamed stronger for their input. During the years that I World ORT, we have been able to provide a centre that not only provides vocational training for have been with the organisation, I have drawn women but also a site for ongoing community building,” commented Karyn Gershon, Project Kesher extensively on their wisdom and experience and Executive Director. “With 15 more Project Kesher Women’s Groups across Belarus, we think this by Government have learned to recognise the powerful project has great potential for expansion.” contribution that each of them has made to ORT’s ORT KesherNet is a unique partnership between World ORT and Project Kesher, dedicated to The Chisinau (Kishiniev) Secondary School No. 22 in success during their periods in office. ORT’s own rebuilding Jewish life and providing women with the tools to reach financial stability, and provide Moldova was renamed the Chisinau ORT Herzl GA will be taking place in New York in May, and security in terms of health and safety. there we will have an opportunity to pay a fitting Technology Lyceum, following the passing of a tribute to these outstanding personalities. resolution by the Government of the Republic of The World ORT GA will also provide an Moldova exactly 100 years after the Kishiniev pogrom, opportunity for ORT’s professional and lay leaders and 62 years after ORT was expelled from the country. to come together and reinforce the collective spirit The ORT Herzl Technology Lyceum in Kishiniev that binds us together and takes us forward. The GA caters today for some 450 students in grades 1-12 gives all of us the chance to strengthen that bond and is a key date in our calendar. We hold our GA (ages 6-18) and operates in partnership with the local only once every four years; it is an opportunity not authorities, the Jewish Agency and the Israeli Ministry to be missed. of Education. This year’s event is more significant than ever, for ORT Kishiniev aims to give its students a real two reasons: it comes as we reach the remarkable advantage when seeking employment and further 125th anniversary of our organisation, and it is the education. Its Technology Centre provides cutting first time in ORT’s history that it takes place in the edge training in technology and information United States – giving us an opportunity to give technology, which substantially enhances the school’s recognition to the US Jewish community that has supported us so loyally and without which few, if academic merit. any, of our achievements would have been possible. The school, sponsored by the Ronald S. Lauder I look forward to meeting many of the readers of Foundation, in conjunction with the Rochlin World ORT Times in New York in May and to be able Foundation, has developed long and short term to congratulate you, in person, for the amazing vocational training in Information and work that you do. Communication Technology for adults in the local community. At the same time, it also coordinates all of Robert Singer ORT’s operations in Moldova – supporting small Director General President of the Gomel Jewish community, Vladimir Gershanok, officially opens the 15th ORT Jewish communities in provincial towns like Beltsey, World ORT KesherNet Centre. Bendery Tiraspol, Ribnitsa and Soroky. 2 16978 World ORT oversize 23/2/04 11:35 am Page 3

ORT Gala Dinner Preserving Jewish culture in ORT Geneva held a successful Gala Dinner at the city’s Beau Since the 1960’s when ORT brought young to Bombay for Rivage Hotel in October to raise money for underprivileged vocational training, ORT has been the main provider of Jewish ORT students in Israel. The highlight of the event was an education to the villages in the Konkan region of India. Currently some auction facilitated by François Curiel, President of Christie’s 40 villagers attend Jewish classes in Alibaug, 100km from Bombay, Europe, which through the sale of a number of sought after where they study a number of subjects including Torah and Jewish Law. items, raised over £30,000. Classes are held monthly and cater for villagers of all ages including the The more than 200 guests at the Dinner were treated to a elderly and the very young. performance by the London based Tenor UnLimited and heard While the Konkan region of India was once a strong Jewish addresses by World ORT Director General, Robert Singer, new community, today the majority of the region’s Jews, Bene Israel, are ORT India students familiarise ORT President, Robert Equey and ORT Switzerland based in Bombay and neighbouring city, Thane, with around 10–20% themselves with the Shabbat service. National Director, Catherine Gentilini. Distinguished guests at of the Jewish community in the Konkan villages of Pen, Alibag the event included Sir Jack Lyons, Philippe Nordmann, Baron Catherine Gentilini, National and Panvel. Director of ORT Switzerland, at Jean-Louis de Gunzburg, Masha Levinson and representatives The Bene Israel Jews arrived in India around the time of the the Gala Dinner. of the Maus Family. destruction of the first temple, and contributed considerably towards the development of the country, starting with farming and oil pressing and then making a name in almost all fields. Today the Bene Israel community is 4000 strong. There are two groups of Jewish residents in the villages: those with a strong sense of Jewish identity, and a basic knowledge of Judaism Annual Benefit Gala for ORT Montreal limited to Jewish culture and laws who receive their education More than 1,100 people attended ORT Montreal’s 20th Annual Benefit Gala and Dinner on November 11, ORT India students study the weekly through ORT in the local Marathi dialect; and those who have no Torah portion. 2003 at Place des Arts, a world class venue for performing arts and the focal point of culture in the city. sense of involvement and are beginning to assimilate. It is the second The Benefit Gala, which was was co-chaired by Edita Friedman and Henry Rosenblum, with the help of group that ORT is currently focusing its attentions upon to ensure Jewish continuity. As well as teaching Jewish ORT Montreal Co-Presidents, Jo Assedou and Dr. Lorne Wiseman who presided over the evening, was education ORT is involved in efforts to preserve the culture and melodies of the Bene Israel. co-sponsored by Broccolini Construction Inc. “We feel that our programme is contributing a lot towards Jewish education in the villages and providing a During the event sponsors and patrons enjoyed a 40s swing band and a dance party with music and link with a community which may otherwise be lost,” said Sharon Galsurkar, Head of ORT India’s Jewish dance from the 20s to the 50s. Education Resource Centre. “The 2003 Gala was outstanding,” enthused Friedman and Rosenblum. “We had more sponsors then ever before and raised a significant amount of money for several ORT projects that we support. It is nice to see so many people International acclaim for ‘Despite Treblinka’ show up to support ORT Montreal. Many of these people have Despite Treblinka, a documentary film produced and Representatives of the resort’s growing been attending this event and supporting ORT since we had directed by teachers of ORT Uruguay’s School of Argentinean/Uruguayan Jewish Community are our first Gala 20 years ago. Dinner, the show and the dance Communications, has to date participated in a number currently organising a Jewish Film Festival, and have party afterwards all helped make this a wonderful event.” of prestigious film festivals in and around North and expressed great interest in screening the film at their The event raised over $392,000 which will help support South America. The film is based on the Treblinka forthcoming event. ORT’s more than 290,000 students around the world. uprising and features interviews with Holocaust “We are delighted with the feedback we survivors in Uruguay and Israel have received regarding the film and that it is Jo Assedou (left), Henry Rosenblum, Edita Friedman The film was screened in November 2003 at the being screened at such renowned festivals and and Dr. Lorne Wiseman at ORT Montreal’s Benefit Gala. Buenos Aires Latin American Art Museum as part of a locations. ORT Uruguay has received requests for festival highlighting Uruguayan films. In October 2003, copies of the film from American, Israeli and French Despite Treblinka participated in the First Riverplate institutions, which implies that the film is circulating Film Festival in Colonia Sacramento City (Uruguay), beyond our knowledge and attracting people,” and was subsequently shown at the Jewish stated Charlotte de Grunberg, National Director Ronson Family honoured at British Community Centre in Los Angeles and at the Bay Area of ORT Uruguay. Latino Festival in San Francisco. ORT Uruguay produced Despite Treblinka as Despite Treblinka is likely to continue the festival the first phase of a multimedia educational project ORT Annual Dinner circuit during the South American summer and will be on the Holocaust, focusing on the immense screened in the Uruguayan resort of Punta del Este. impact the Holocaust had on personal lives. Nearly 400 guests attended the British ORT Annual Dinner at London’s Dorchester Hotel in September 2003. At the event the remarkable contribution of Gail and Gerald Ronson to ORT and to young people in Israel was highlighted. Hewlett Packard invitation for ORT IC Three ORT schools in Israel bear the Ronson family name; ORT Henry ORT’s Digital Village project in South Africa, considered by Hewlett Packard to be one of their most Ronson Comprehensive High School and ORT Afridar Comprehensive successful partnership projects, focuses on strengthening the Dikhatole Township community, a very poor High School, Ashkelon and the Druze ORT Gerald Ronson community with minimal infrastructure on the Eastern outskirts of Johannesburg. At the invitation of Comprehensive High School, Mt. Carmel. Dinner Host, Sir David Garrard Hewlett Packard, ORT International Cooperation staff took part in the first Hewlett Packard (HP) Digital paid glowing tribute to the Ronsons and Lady Jakobovits, wife of the late Community Centres (DCC) Connect Conference. Organised by the Philanthropy and Education British ORT Dinner Honourees, Gerald Lord Jakobovits, former Chief Rabbi of Britain and the Commonwealth Ronson and Gail Ronson DBE. Department of HP in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), the conference, which took place presented them with an Israeli handcrafted Kiddush Cup. in November 2003 in Paris, brought together representatives from digital community centres who provided Israeli politician Avraham Burg MK, addressed the guests and spoke an insight into their experiences and shared their various educational techniques. of the vital importance of ORT's work to Israel's future. Within the framework of the project, IT training is provided to local government officials – improving An appeal video specially made for the evening featured students and teachers from the three ORT Ronson their provision of services to the community, and to local women’s groups – offering them an element of schools in Israel, who described their experiences living under the threat of terror and economic hardship, as well self sufficiency. Unemployed youth from Dikhatole and the surrounding area are trained and placed as their achievements and the opportunities afforded to them through an ORT education. in employment. The Dinner raised over $700,000. ORT SA attributes the success of the Digital Village project, jointly funded by ORT, HP and Fasset, to the close cooperation between ORT and its partnerships with HP, Macsteel (a large South African steel company) and Microsoft. National call for ORT South ORT Guinée tsedaka at ORT’s Africa/Fasset established schools in France In October 2003, after the signing of a government Course agreement, ORT Guinée was established and given ORT France instills a sense of altruism in its official status. Based in Mamou this newly created pupils and every year, prior to Chanuka, local NGO will develop projects to fight against conducts a unique campaign whereby its heralded poverty in Guinée. ORT Guinée’s President is Mr ORT Guinée President, Mr. A. Baldé (right) students help Jewish institutions to collect Alhassane Baldé. Financed for its first six months with Henri Levy, Director, ORT IC Geneva money for the country’s disadvantaged Jewish The ORT/ Fasset Course, which provides training for of operation by voluntary contributions, the (centre) and volunteers during a visit to one communities. unemployed youth from disadvantaged communities of ORT’s projects in Guinée. organisations committee members are volunteers. The students of ORT Villiers-le-Bel have been around Gauteng, South Africa, recently received a collecting kosher food on behalf of the Mazon positive report by an external evaluator. The six-week Association and during Chanuka distributed it to programme, which caters for 80-85 students on each the needy in Paris and the suburbs. course, offers the skills required to become a debt- ORT Marseille’s students, aged 11–14, took recovery call-centre agent. Upon completion of their Jewish education invigorated at part in a fascinating debate on Tsedaka and studies, ORT places some 80-90 percent of graduates Social Justice, organised by the local Jewish in related employment. community to mark National Solidarity Day During the evaluation, ORT SA staff described the ORT Resource Centre in Michigan in November, whereby students prepared benefits of the project, demonstrating the impact questions which they put to Marseille’s Jewish courses have on members of the local communities. The David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Centre was officially opened on December 11th 2003, in Michigan. community leaders. Since the commencement of the courses in May The Hermelin ORT Resource Centre will serve as a technology resource for Jewish educators and provide The French Jewish community is rallying 2003, ORT SA has ensured the relevance of the students of all ages with the opportunity to explore Jewish history and culture in an exciting and innovative together to help Israel in its time of need. ORT’s subject matter to today’s ever changing market. forum through creative multi-media projects. Trained professionals will provide an individualised, students in France understand the importance of Topics include computer skills, presentation skills, active approach to learning and invigorate Jewish education through hands- helping their peers in Israel, and bearing in mind telephone techniques, debt recovery methodologies, on training, technical support, educational technology workshops and that over 40 members of the ORT family in Israel legal aspects of debt recovery, a self-esteem software and curricular reviews. Visitors to the Centre will have the have been killed through acts of terror, they are workshop and others. opportunity to explore Jewish history and culture in an exciting interactive showing their solidarity to their Israeli brethren In reporting the results of her evaluation, external forum, and ORT's emphasis on marketable skills will manifest itself in the through acts of kindness and charity. evaluator Liz Host praised the management and staff form of computer-based job skills classes for at-risk members of the In a campaign last year, students at ORT Villiers- of ORT South Africa and stated, “The ORT SA/Fasset community at large. le-Bel raised a significant amount of money for Project can be held up as a good example for other The Centre, which includes the CyberpORT café, the ORTnet Learning Hadassah Hospital in Israel. The students were sectors. It has shown itself to be solidly successful, Lab and the ORT M2 Studio for state-of-the-art multimedia projects, is a joint delighted to receive acknowledgement for their having already exceeded expected targets outlined in venture by Women's American ORT, American ORT and ORT Operations contribution by way of a specially engraved plate. their original proposal...It has been a pleasure USA, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. This year, students are working hard to fill conducting the research in ORT SA. I was struck by The David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Centre was named in honour of ambulance-shaped ZAKA charity boxes to David B. Hermelin, US Ambassador to Norway from 1997 – 2000. Mr. Marcie Hermelin Orley and support this important organisation whose the openness, overall feeling of non-pretentiousness Hermelin believed that education is the answer to hunger, poverty and Doreen Hermelin at the volunteers are often the first rescue workers at and basic goodwill that permeates through the entire organisation.” preservation of human dignity and as such, dedicated himself to ORT, David B. Hermelin ORT sites of terrorist attacks. where he served as President of both World ORT and American ORT. Resource Center. 3 16978 World ORT oversize 23/2/04 11:35 am Page 4 An important role: ORT at the UJC General Assembly

As a fully recognised partner in the North American Federation system, World ORT played an important role in this year's United Jewish Communities General Assembly in Israel - the culmination of many years of important work by World ORT.

Within the framework of the GA, World ORT Arabs. The students study the culinary arts and During his visit to ORT Habonim, Sam Silverstein promoted its network of programmes, training together with Arab chefs from Neve Shalom cook viewed a plaque acknowledging the support of the centres and schools around the world; held a together in peace and harmony. The students and Palm Springs’ Federation. It is thanks to money raised welcome reception for delegates; opened its schools staff have won a number of accolades at international at the Federation’s Annual Golf Tournament that to the delegates of a number of Federation missions; culinary competitions. Participants were treated to a a Multimedia English laboratory will be built lead major panels and provided computer and special buffet lunch and sampled traditional Israeli at the school. Internet facilities for delegates, participants and and Arab delights. Director General of World ORT, Robert Singer and media from all over the world. ORT operated a number of cyber cafes within World ORT’s North American Representative to the As part of the GA programme Robert Singer, Binyanei Ha’uma – the International Conference Federation System, Harry Nadler joined the Baltimore Director General of World ORT, together with Jacob Centre location of the GA – with ORT Israel students Federation on a visit to ORT Ronson in Ashkelon. This Solomon, Executive Vice President of the Greater offering assistance to users. The press corps covering was Baltimore's first official visit to its new Partnership Miami Jewish Federation; Jeffrey Solomon, President the GA worked in a special pressroom with Internet 2000 community. The group met with students and of the Andrea & Charles Bronfman Philanthropies and facilities provided by ORT. Through its booth ORT viewed a demonstration of a robotics project Avi Naor, Former President/CEO of Amdocs took part staff provided informative materials on the designed by the students. The robotics project won in a well attended seminar, ‘Confronting the organisation’s operations around the world and first place in a worldwide science/computer Leadership Crisis in Jewish Philanthropy’, presenting exhibited a specially prepared stand with a small competition in 2002.

Members of South Palm Beach Federation at ORT Kiriat Bialik.

an insight into the importance of volunteerism and archival exhibition on ORT through the ages. professional philanthropy in the Jewish community. Prior to and during the GA, members of a number The seminar was filled to capacity, with eager of Federations visited ORT schools to see the projects participants queueing patiently outside and for the to which they had contributed and to meet the duration of the GA, those who took part could be students who, as a result of Federation support, are heard discussing its subject matter. enjoying an enhanced educational experience. At a special workshop, ‘Volunteerism: Engaging the Leaders and members of additional Federations Next Generation’ Zvi Peleg, National Director of ORT visited ORT schools for the first time to explore Israel and Sonia Gomes de Mesquita, Head of World opportunities to develop relationships between their ORT’s International Liaison Department provided an communities and ORT. During their visits, in depth look into student volunteerism at ORT and participants were shown school facilities and took how ORT schools teach their students the value of part in panel discussions and informal question and personal involvement in the community. ORT student answer sessions with students and staff giving them volunteers in the Ambassador of Memory Programme, the opportunity to get to know more about the Multi-Generation Project, Youth Tutors and the their schools. Sunflowers Project spoke about their experiences Bob Golbert, Head of World ORT’s Desk for North working with less fortunate children and the America, participated in missions with the New Jersey importance of helping others. Consortium to ORT Arad; with South Palm Beach ORT hosted GA participants on two important County Federation to ORT Kiriat Bialik; with Atlanta visits. ‘Supporting Innovative Education and Federation to ORT Yokneam; with Cleveland Technology' brought participants to the ORT Minkoff Federation to ORT Beit Shean; with Sarasota School in Jerusalem and to Hadassah Hospital to meet Federation to Givat Ram; and with Sam Silverstein of the students who, as part of the Sunflowers Project, the Palm Springs Federation and Gerta Gleich of Boca give practical support and encouragement to young Raton and Palm Springs Federations to ORT Habonim cancer patients. in Bat Yam. As part of a trip dedicated to the arts, GA delegates At Kiriat Bialik, students and staff honoured South were hosted at the ORT School for Technical Palm Beach County Federation dedicating a plaque Administration and Culinary Arts in Tsriffin. The acknowledging and thanking members for their school is part of a unique new project, ‘Cooking for important contribution to the security of the school ORT Cyber Centre during the Peace’, promoting tolerance between Israelis and and its students. GA in Jerusalem. 4 16978 World ORT oversize 23/2/04 11:36 am Page 5

ORT Yokneam student receives a visit from an Atlanta Federation member. WAO Mission to the GA and World ORT House

To coincide with the General Assembly in Student chefs at the ORT School for Technical Administration Jerusalem, 11 members of Women’s American and Culinary Arts in Tsriffin. ORT (WAO) took part in a special Mission to Israel, with a stopover in London to view World ORT operations at its administrative offices. While at ORT House, WAO Mission participants were given an in-depth glimpse into the inner operations of World ORT and were addressed by Sir Maurice Hatter, Deputy President of World ORT; Suzanne Davis, Chair of Friends of ORT; and Robert Singer, Director General of World ORT, and received a security briefing from Israeli Embassy Minister Plenipotentiary, Zvi Ravner. A private tour of the Jewish Museum was followed by a special event with Friends of British ORT. Dinner and a night at the theatre topped off the day. One of the highlights of the group’s visit to London was the creation of a virtual connection with the ORT Lipman School in Moscow, giving Mission participants the opportunity to converse with high school students, and to find out about education and life in Russia. During their time at ORT House, participants noticed that no WAO names appeared on the donors’ wall. This spurred Mission Co-Chair, Grace Mendelson into action and, upon learning of the forthcoming refurbishment, to be completed in February 2004, Mrs. Mendelson immediately pledged $250,000 towards a laboratory and the renovation of the entrance hall. “It is so critical at this time for us to show our resolve, to stand behind our ORT schools and let them know that we will always be there for them.”

Prior to joining over 6,000 delegates at the General Assembly, Mission participants joined GA delegates from around the U.S. to visit ORT schools, where they met with students and educators and viewed several of the projects supported by WAO. A tour of ORT Achva Gilboa provided the opportunity to see the “Bridges” programme in action and participate in a discussion with ORT Achva Gilboa Arab students and Jewish students from the Ein Harod school. The group also visited ORT Harmatz in Givat Ram where they met the principal and students. According to Mission Co-Chair Grace Mendelson, a member of WAO’s Board of Directors, “It is so critical at this time for us to show our resolve, to stand behind our ORT schools and let them know that we will always be there for them.” Certainly, WAO members did just that, visiting the Wall of Honor at ORT Syngalowski in Tel Aviv. The school, established in 1949, was the first in Israel to be established with Women’s American ORT funds. “The visits to the ORT schools were made more meaningful having the delegates from the GA actually see ORT’s integral involvement in Israel’s educational system,” says WAO National Vice President Dorene Berger, Mission Co- Chair. “For our delegates, it brought together past Mission participants to Israel, Women's American ORT leadership, first timers to Israel from our President’s Young Leadership Council leadership and staff. Their immediate love for the ORT programme and Israel was an amazing sight to behold.”

WAO participants of November Mission to London and Israel.

5 16978 World ORT oversize 23/2/04 11:36 am Page 6 Focus on Cuba

ORT Cuba reaches a milestone ORT Cuba students study Computer Technology. ORT Cuba has celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of its ORT Cuba also holds a summer course in Havana renewed operations within the Havana Jewish where 5–16 year olds take part in IT courses Community. At an auspicious event, held in developed by ORT including: An Introduction to IT, November 2003 to mark the occasion, a special Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Application exhibition was mounted, documenting the rich for Windows, Web Design and a special course in history of ORT in Cuba and its important activities Spanish Orthography. The main objective of the over the last three years summer course is to provide Cuban Jewish youth ORT became active in Cuba in 1935 with the with computer skills which they can apply in their formation of an ORT committee, and in 1943 the Sunday school Judaism and Hebrew classes. The establishment of a Jewish school in Havana which summer program augments Sunday school studies gave refuge to Jews escaping Europe. After and adds to the overall educational process. an absence of more than 40 years, with the With the technological challenges of today, ORT inauguration of the “Ana and Ben Dizik” has provided the resources, giving the Cuban ORT Technological Centre of the Cuban Jewish Jewish community the tools to work in a world of Community, ORT was re-established on November advanced technologies. 22nd 2000. During the anniversary celebrations, ORT students demonstrated their IT skills and the Emunah Jewish dance troupe, members of which include ORT Cuba students, performed traditional Israeli dances. Distinguished guests at the event included Ismael An unforgettable Journey: Grimberg from ORT Mexico, Dr. Jose Miller, President and Adela Dworin, Vice-President of the Cuban Jewish ORT Cuba in Israel Community, renowned professors ORT Cuba’s National Director, William Miller, During our trip we had the opportunity to meet and more than 100 ORT students. recently visited Israel for the first time, with the Director General of ORT Israel, Zvi Peleg, Today ORT Cuba’s main objective together with young Jewish leaders from ORT staff and students who introduced us to ORT’s is to provide the community with communities in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, important operation in Israel. One of the highlights training in Information and Santis Spiritu and Camaguey, including five was joining more than 3,000 young Jewish people Communications Technology (ICT) ORT students. The group took part in from around the world at the Birthright Mega Event. and to develop academic activities Birthright, and as the first group of Cuban As the first ever Cubans to be represented at such a for the study of Hebrew and Judaism. Jewish youth allowed by Fidel Castro to visit forum in Israel, to see the Cuban flag waving on the The “Ana and Ben Dizik” ORT Israel, this was an emotional trip. Here he big video screen was unbelievable. Technological Center offers a variety talks about his unforgettable journey. Being in Israel, walking the same paths as our of IT courses to adults, youth and Landing in Israel was an incredible feeling, most of forefathers, we felt as if we were part of a journey children in its modern and well us were crying when we saw the lights of Tel Aviv through time. Up until then all we knew about Israel equipped IT laboratory, and has from the air, and for the next three weeks we was what we had learnt through Torah study, and recently introduced a number of experienced the most emotional period of our lives. what we had read in books, magazines and business and language related Our first visit to the Western Wall took place on Tish’a newspapers. But without a doubt, visiting our courses. In addition to its courses Be’av when we found ourselves surrounded by so homeland was the best way to get to know our ORT has created the first many Jewish people in the one place. To know that heritage and history. official website for the Cuban Emuna Dance Troupe at the ORT Cuba celebration. we are part of something so great and so diverse, was It was an unforgettable experience and one that Jewish community. extremely moving. will be forever in our hearts and minds.

ORT Online In a unique partnership with the Cuban Jewish community, ORT has designed and built the first official website entirely dedicated to the Jewish Community of Cuba (http://www.chcuba.org/). The website, The Cuban Jewish Community, launched in October 2003, was created to show Cuban Jewish community life and provide information as to its history, traditions and customs. The site, which is currently only available in Spanish, has sections which deal specifically ORT students and teachers with the community, its organisations and with Dr. Jose Miller and Adele future projects. The site will be launched in Dworin at the “Ana and Ben English in early 2004. Dizik” ORT Technological Center in Cuba.

This time the fellow Jew who makes me feel safe only a few days in Le Havana however, I discovered teach Jewish topics in a more modern and Out there… and at home is my colleague, William Miller, that ORT Cuba has already accomplished a huge entertaining way,” stated a teacher teaching Jewish Director of ORT Cuba. amount. I also realised that under the present Studies at a JDC Sunday school. Marcelo Lewkow, National Director of ORT I came to Havana to learn more about ORT’s circumstances in Cuba, even the smallest amount At the end of my visit, I felt that the word Chile recently paid a working visit to ORT Cuba important work in Cuba, and, on behalf of World of help could make such a difference. ‘communication’ came out as a synthesis of where he spent time with its director, William ORT, to see what assistance we could offer. But, as I learnt so much from talking to ORT students the needs of the Cuban Jewish community and Miller, exchanging ideas and experiences. In a is the norm when ORT is involved, at the end of who demonstrated how important a role ORT ORT Cuba. moving first-person account he tells of the my visit, I was in fact the one who was helped. plays in their lives: Too often in our modern world, globalisation important work ORT does for the active Cuban Helped spiritually and touched emotionally by “ORT trains me in 3D design and was in fact the puts sophisticated communication tools in the Jewish community of 1,300 people. the efforts of the Cuban Jewish community. only non-governmental training institution to offer hands of disadvantaged people all over the world. Out there, it is a hot, humid, very typical Monday Helped in terms of my community experience this subject,” explained a young engineer. But more often than not the lack of education, or afternoon in La Havana, Cuba, but in here, sitting by seeing the mutual cooperation of ORT and so “I never imagined being able to use a computer, of motivation, makes the investment a waste of right next to me, the image of my late grandfather many international Jewish organisations, working but ORT is helping me cope with modern time, money and effort, leading to frustration and is smiling and telling me in his warm Yiddish, “You together and understanding the precise needs of technology, I never dreamed of understanding,” increased isolation. see, Meier, as I told you, no matter how far away you this very special community. enthused a grandfather who participated in ORT I spent only a few days in Le Havana. But during are, or how strange the society you are visiting may Helped in terms of my professional experience, activities 50 years ago when the local Jewish that time I held long, warm, intellectually be, there will be always a synagogue, always a Yom by seeing firsthand how such a small community community reached a peak of some 15,000 challenging conversations with my colleague Kippur, a Kol Nidrei, always a fellow Jew, and you organises important social improvement projects members. William; the president of the Cuban Jewish will always feel safe and at home.” such as providing free medication, arranging for a “ORT gave me the opportunity to learn computer community, Jose Miller; and the JDC On this occasion the strange society is the member of the community to visit each and every literacy,” I was told by a young fashion model. “In my representative in Cuba, Nestor Szewach. I listened tropical version of a communist regime, in the very lone Jew, and to distribute food and items for line of work we do not study such subjects and to ORT teachers and students and was touched by well known island of Cuba. Pesach. In terms of technical training ORT Cuba without ORT I would never have been given this their enthusiasm, their culture and education. I This time, the synagogue is the Great Synagogue has built one of the most outstanding technical chance.” can now say, in all honesty, that to help the tiny Beth Shalom of El Vedado, La Havana, reopened and training institutions in the country. “Through ORT’s Sunday classes in Judaism, and Jewish communities of Cuba to communicate with refurbished to its simple yet touching beauty, by the ORT plays a very important role in providing well-stocked resource centre of Jewish educational each other and with the outside Jewish world joint efforts of the international Jewish community, technical education and it was my duty, while in materials and software, we are enriching our could mean a world of difference or shall I say, a and the brave local leadership. Cuba, to offer my assistance to improve this. After Jewish knowledge. We are being given the tools to World ORT, of difference. 6 16978 World ORT oversize 23/2/04 11:36 am Page 7

From the Archive: ORT Italy School for Aviation

in May that year and was composed of seven young The success of these courses formed the basis for ORT’s activities in Italy began in 1946 following members of Italian gliding clubs. Due to their plans for a permanent ORT aviation school which previous basic knowledge and experience of flying would train pilots for both international commercial a visit to the country’s refugee camps by aeroplanes, the course was relatively short. Totalling aviation and for the new Israeli air force. Although around 261 flight hours of flying time, it averaged 37 these plans appear to have been approved in Dr. Syngalowski, Co-Chairman of World ORT’s flight hours per student. The aircraft used on the September 1948, there is little information as to course were initially fitted with 65HP motors, later their implementation or to when the programme Executive Committee at the time. replaced by 85HP machines with a retractable nose- finally ceased to operate. However it is a fair wheel undercarriage. assumption that as emigration to the new State of A second group of 17 students with no past Israel became easier in 1949, there was no longer a After the war approximately 25,000 Jewish to vocational qualifications. Between 1946 and experience in aviation required longer training - an need for the school. By the end of 1950 most DPs displaced persons (DPs) had fled to Italy, most of 1950 ORT ran courses throughout Italy in a variety average of 80-85 flights per student. Their aircraft had left Italy and most of the ORT DP training whom considered Italy a temporary transit stop en of subjects, among them: sewing and tailoring, were fitted with 65-85HP and 130-220HP motors. programmes in the country had closed down. route to eventual emigration destinations. masonry, typewriter repairs, furriery, agriculture, Students were trained in both normal (visual) and However, after years of turmoil and uncertainty tractor driving, technical dentistry, locksmithing, instrument flight, which qualified them with minimal access to formal education, the and watchmaking. One little known course trained to fly in limited visibility situations. majority of Jews had no professional skills, which pilots, many of whom went on to form part of the Aviation experts, who tested the would not only help them make ends meet, but new Israeli air force. students, found them to be on a par which were the key to obtaining the necessary The ORT Italy School for Aviation was set up in with third degree commercial pilots. visas for emigration. ORT therefore set out to 1948 and aimed to train pilots for careers in Both groups concluded their training provide much needed training which would lead commercial aviation. The first group began training in October 1948.

A selection of photos from ORT Italy’s School for Aviation circa 1948. 7 ORT House ORT New York ORT House ORT New school year in Israel and opening of Participants presented seminars focusing on Participants In addition to the in house sessions, participants World ORT Chief ORT World Financial Officers Conference Shalev gained experience in the technological in the gained experience Shalev an important has played that ORT Shalev feels The Chief Officers Financial Conference 2003, House in November took place at ORT Banking. sponsored by JPMorgan Private September November December The Second Hatter Technology Seminar was hosted The Second Hatter Technology in November 2003. The seminar, ORT by World Deputy President sponsored by Sir Maurice Hatter, for an exchange of allowed ORT, of World information staff involved in and ideas by ORT included technological education. Participants operations throughout the educators from ORT Bulgaria, , world including Venezuela, Ukraine and Israel. educational techniques in their countries including approaches to teaching technology in the ‘ORT’s ’; ‘Developing a technological Former capability – The design-based approach used in English schools’; ‘The role of the school in helping the Arab population, from a technological point of view’; and ‘Reforms in technological education in Israel’ also visited King Solomon Jewish High School, in London, where they took part in a discussion on how technology is taught within the British curriculum and met students and educators. Hatter Technology Seminar Justice Richard Goldstone (left),Justice Feldman Reesé and Zalman Shalev. scientific education to young people. He has served He has people. young to education scientific as Chairman since 1970 Israel Executive ORT on the was Chairman and Building Committee of the of 1993 to 2000. Israel from ORT servedfield when he in the army of as Commander and and Electronics Division, the Communication after he studied Radio demobilising and Engineering of Elisra became managing director founded and Electronics Systems. Defence advancement of Israel’s role in the technical of the IDF have had a basic “Many members Forces. school,” stated ORT technical training at an significantly towards has contributed “ORT Shalev. creating one of the best armies in the world.” 1st: and College for Aeronautics Technological ORT Space, Ma’ale Adumim New school year in CIS Hatter Seminar, Seminar, Chief Financial Officers Bernick Fundraisers Seminar, New York McGill University, Israel ORT House ORT New York Lisa Oren Lisa Oren World ORT General ORT World [email protected] [email protected] American ORT National Conference, American ORT National Directors Meeting, National Directors World ORT Major Donor Event, ORT World Editor: Email: by: Designed and produced DS Print & Redesign Times ORT World House, 126 Albert Street ORT London, NW1 7NE, England +44-(0)20-7446-8500 Tel: Fax: +44-(0)20-7446-8650 www.ort.org ISSN 1681-648X 2004 ORT ©World Building upon the exceptional success of special campaign for Argentina is ORT’s Prior to her presidency with WAO, Reesé Feldman with WAO, Prior to her presidency Also stepping down after many years is Zalman he has Throughout his years with ORT, June August May 1st-4th: New York 1st: 4th-6th: Montreal Wingate Seminar, South Africa Mission to ORT Rosner English Summer School, ORT World House ORT 1st-3rd: Assembly, Department, special Sonia Gomes, described ORT’s campaigns for the FSU and Argentina. is now set ORT Regeneration 2000 in the FSU, World to embark on its successor project, Regeneration Regeneration 2004 aims its predecessor, 2004. Like to bring quality Jewish and general high school education to Jewish communities throughout the American FSU. Regeneration 2000, led by Women’s project aimed at 11 schools, and was a four-year ORT, funding for some of this undertaking ran out at the end of 2003. However there is still a demand for quality education, and within the FSU Jewish parents continue in their commitment to secure the best possible education for their children. Sadly, resurgent communities are unable to support a Jewish education system and are forced to rely on outside agencies for financial and operational support. There is now an urgent need for a project 2000 both to over from Regeneration to take continue serving its existing network and to include more of the communities appealing for help. Regeneration 2004 will also be led by Women’s American ORT. continuing with special focus upon providing support for tuition fees, transportation, hot meals, medical expenses and school books, security, technological equipment. reflected on the work of the Executive committee. Executive of the work the on reflected has committee the Executive years “In recent to unit. In order and open a more cohesive become and to investigate we began our past build upon forward move dramatically our means to assess and base has of our goals. Our financial we realized many seen the and we have, in many ways, been secured of our internationalintegration programmatic great deal of that the future holds a strength. I feel what has can now move to enhance promise, as we and/or been accomplished.” either begun and conferences. She has chaired many conventions at the served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees Institute, Chicago, Technical Zarem/Golde ORT Illinois, and currently serves Board of Trustees on the and Institute Technical at the Los Angeles ORT Mrs. Feldman College in Queens, NY. Bramson ORT also served for many an officer of American ORT as years. General Assembly. ORT Chairman of the World Shalev, identified himself entirely with decades, Shalev has For very “I have worked hard over stands for. what ORT because to me education is the most the years for ORT important value one can have,” he said. “It gives me to know that our students great pride to know this and are not only getting an excellent technical education, but they are evolving as human beings by gaining an excellent general education.” emphasized the importance and of technological ORT House ORT Canada World ORT House ORT World Emmanuel Kalles,Emmanuel National Executive Director. New York New York Executive Argentina New York Women's American ORT Women's London Investment Committee Meeting, British ORT Annual Business Breakfast with the Annual Business Breakfast British ORT Executive Meeting, Board of Directors Meeting, of Directors Board Goldstone attributes the organisation’s healthy the organisation’s Goldstone attributes can look forward of growth to a new period “We Though ending his term as President, Goldstone will end since 1987, Reesé Feldman Active in ORT As she prepares to step down Mrs. Feldman Today ORT Levovitch is unable to attract new ORT Today International ORT’s Liaison Head of World In his new position, Mr. Kalles will be responsible In his new position, Mr. March April security and financial problems in ORT’s largest in ORT’s problems and financial security side, in Israel, on the positive network of schools financial support of from the Jewish communities added. has also increased," he the United States General, to the dynamism of Director developments Robert and lay and his dedicated staff Singer world. around the ORT leadership from noted. “More than in the coming years,” Goldstone technology for teaching, ever we are relying on business and even in our every day lives. There is no other international educational organisation better lives of so many people equipped to enhance the who benefit from its programs.” affairs. ORT will remain involved in World her term Committee. Mrs. as Chair of the Executive servedWomen's as National President of Feldman from 1987 to 1991 and went on to American ORT taking on the roles of ORT, became active with World and Chair of the Control Commission Chair Administrative Committee. In 2000 she became one as Chair of the ORT of the five officers of World will continue Executive Committee. Reesé Feldman her involvement with ORT. the creation of new and innovative teaching methods and has introduced creative workshops, educational trips and research projects, the school is unable to provide the facilities and space required for implementing these programs. The deteriorating school buildings and unsuitable learning facilities resulting from lack of money are holding the school back. students, enrolment rates continue to fall, and the once enviable reputation of the school is at serious risk of irreversible decline. Its pupils come from a wide range of backgrounds and include new immigrants, sabras and underprivileged students from local communities who are accommodated in dormitories. The deteriorating school buildings, general appearance of neglect and unsuitable learning to attract this new facilities are unlikely significant making a student population. Without change to the school’s current condition, ORT Levovitch will miss out on an opportunity for a fresh start: stepping into the 21st century with renewed is now seeking funds to support the strength. ORT important project of renovating and upgrading the school’s facilities, and building 12 new laboratories. Opening of HP Digital Community Centres, Russia andTula, Slavutych, Ukraine Royal Bank Dinner, Toronto The ORT 20th: 16th: Goldsmith QC, Her Majesty’s Rt. Hon the Lord Attorney General, Opening of school year in Induction for new National Directors, 29th: 30th: 30th April-1st May: Convention, National Triennial Emmanuel Kalles Appointed of National Director Canada ORT Emmanuel Kalles has been appointed Executive National Canada. Director of ORT Previously Executive Director of Montreal, a position he has ORT Kalles held since June 1994, Mr. was instrumental in helping the organisation raise over five million dollars through various annual gala events including, in Clinton, Jefferson 2002, An Evening with William former President of the United States, which raised funds of those more than one million dollars. Part were used to support special educational programmes at two Montreal children’s hospitals. for directing activities to raise additional funds in Regions where formal ORT Montreal and Toronto Canada offices are located, and renewing and increasing fund raising efforts among the volunteer Edmonton, Calgary, chapters in Winnipeg, ORT and Victoria. Vancouver Rome New York , New York Iris Colyn, former National Director of South Africa. ORT Levovitch, Netanya Finance Committee Meeting Executive Committee Meeting, Meeting of the Strategic Planning

Rome World ORT and ORT Canada Major and ORT ORT World Nominations Committee Meeting, Investment Committee Meeting, Constitution & By-Laws Meeting, Inauguration of ORT Renzo Levi High School, Inauguration of ORT ORT House ORT

January February ORT House ORT 23rd-24th: Taskforce, 25th-26th: 15th: 3rd-6th: Campaign Mission to ORT 19th: House ORT 21st-22nd: 26th: Rome Inauguration of new Entrance and Foyer at 16th: The theme of the first day was ‘World ORT’s The theme of the first day was ‘World In May, President of World ORT, Justice Richard ORT, President of World In May, term, Justice Richard a second four-year After Goldstone recently reflected on his last six years Day two saw factual presentations on ORT’s special Day two saw factual presentations on ORT’s At her farewell event Iris her At we started to spread light in the most “Slowly, Goldstone; Chair of the Executive Committee, Reesé of the Executive Committee, Goldstone; Chair General ORT Chairman and of the World Feldman be stepping down from Zalman Shalev will Assembly, on the baton to the next their positions and passing leadership. generation of ORT actively associated with Goldstone, who has been as President of since 1966, steps down ORT World Before being appointed Goldstone ORT. World South served for many years as President of ORT in the world of human rights A notable figure Africa. of the Appellate in 1989 he was appointed Judge law, Division of the Supreme Court, and since July 1994 Constitutional Courthe has been a Justice of the of of His belief in the advancement South Africa. appointment as Chief human rights led to his Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor of the International War at The Hague. He said that he has seen ORT. as President of World programmes, especially a substantial growth in ORT in the Jewish communities of the former Soviet states. “While recent years have witnessed increasing The 2004 World ORT Congress is just around the is just around Congress ORT World The 2004 corner of an era for esteemed and with it the end term are completing their leaders who ORT in office. L’hitraot…not goodbye L’hitraot…not The 2003 Bernick Fundraisers Seminar was held in The 2003 Bernick Fundraisers attended by ORT December in New York, professionals from donor and operational countries. Strategy’Proposal for a Fundraising with the main First ORT American presentation given by Women’s and National Director Vice President, Judy Menikoff Canada, Emmanuel Kalles. Additional of ORT discussions and workshops were led by ORT representatives from donor countries, including as a Brand Name’ by British ORT and ORT ‘Marketing also Jon Benjamin. Participants National Director, took part in a special workshop on fundraising strategies for senior fundraisers, facilitated by Deborah Polivy. campaigns for 2004 - 2008. National Director of ORT Israel’s Special detailed ORT Israel, Zvi Peleg Levovitch in Netanya, led by Yad Campaign for ORT first in Israel, Canada. The school, one of ORT’s ORT Some is in urgent need of modernisation and repair. parts of the campus have been rendered unsafe by years of lack of investment and are no longer safe for use. As a result, the students and staff at ORT Levovitch face a lack of suitable classrooms and learning has put much effort facilities. While ORT into Iris Colyn steps down as National Director South Africa of ORT Iris Colyn, National Director of has stepped South Africa, ORT down after three years at the over her role is helm. Taking a former Human Michael Sieff, Resources manager at Discovery Health, a South medical aid company. African despite ORT described how, modest South Africa’s beginnings, the organisation has made an enormous difference to diverse communities across the country. remote corners true of South Africa, to the Jewish mission of ‘shedding light upon the nations’. The and the Jewish light is now shining in shacks, ORT old age homes, schools, squalid township streets, factory workshops, plush boardrooms and in the hearts of graduates and their extended families.” Bernick Fundraisers Seminar 2004 EVENTS 8 16978 World ORT oversize 23/2/04 11:36 am Page 8 Page am 11:36 23/2/04 oversize ORT World 16978