spring 2009 WORLD ORT TIMES

Get Smart Creche course Fine start World ORT helps to How ORT South Africa Major international launch 1,000 Smart is building bridges prize for ORT classes in . between rich and poor. Uruguay film student.

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World ORT’s Giving ORT students leaders a tiny advantage confident

Once a kingdom could be lost for want of One such step was the bringing South Africa, , Russia, the Czech about future a nail; soon a country could collapse for together of leading academics from the Republic, Mexico, Argentina, USA, the lack of something infinitesimal thanks USA, Israel and United Kingdom to ORT and Ukraine, who in turn will share what World ORT is in good shape and well to the mind boggling breakthroughs House, London for the seventh annual they learned with peers and pupils. placed to negotiate the challenges ahead associated with nanotechnology, the new World ORT Hatter Technology Seminar – World ORT Past President Sir Maurice – and its mission is more important now field of research which deals with Nanotechnology and Material Science: Hatter told participants: “ORT prides itself than ever. structures more than 250 times smaller From Research to Classroom. They shared on giving its students an education that These positive and determined views than the width of a human hair. So, true to their formidable knowledge of the will help them to achieve success in a were expressed by World ORT lay leaders its tradition of assimilating the latest engineering of functional systems at the constantly changing world. To accomplish as they emerged from the organisation's scientific and technological developments molecular level – where technology is now, this we have to constantly innovate, both first Board of Representatives meeting into its curricula, World ORT is taking how it is expected to develop, what in the subjects that we teach and the under the governing structure adopted at steps to ensure that its students can coming generations will need to know to methods we use to teach them. The last year's General Assembly. exploit the potential career opportunities be able to ride the wave and how to teach Hatter Seminars provide our leading After three days of intensive in this increasingly important sphere of it to them – with 18 science and teaching staff with the opportunity to look discussions, presentations and inquiry and industry. technology teachers from Israel, Italy, networking in Mexico City no-one was Continued on page 2 under any illusions about the challenges ahead. But there was a palpable sense of optimism. "We have an organisation that's safe and sound both financially and programmatically," said World ORT President Dr Jean de Gunzburg. "We have lay leaders and professionals who know exactly what the situation is and what to do about it in a prudent way. We are looking forward to a stronger organisation that is more focused and that will be better able to serve its children with education." An example of World ORT’s responsible managerial approach is the organisation’s decision to work on 75 per cent of its budget this year. The situation will be reviewed in June: depending on income, World ORT may then revert to operating on full budget. The Board of Representatives, which is chaired by the President of World ORT, meets once a year and provides a forum for the discussion of major policy items; it approves the strategic plan and the Director General's annual programme and can change World ORT by-laws. World ORT Treasurer, Judy Menikoff joined Dr de Gunzburg in appreciating the spirit of the meetings as well as the quality of the content in the Board of Representatives' sessions and in those of the Board of Trustees which preceded them. Bright young things: Jodi Shapiro, Nestor Gonzalez, ageing “the growth and success of the next generation "This experience has fulfilled the Courtney Skrdla, Whitney Willis, Kasey Kirby, Beau LeMire, initiative is imperative to the survival of ORT America”. expectations we had when we Chris Sablan, Dianeh O'Farrill were among those enjoying His Co-Chair, Deena Eberly, urged delegates at the Annual restructured the constitution and by- the ORT America Next Generation launch party at a Beverly Meeting “to reach out to your children, grandchildren, laws," Mrs Menikoff said. "The discussions Hills mansion. Co-Chair of ORT California’s Next nieces, nephews, whomever you think could continue your were on point and we have had more Generation, Scott Schonfeld, told the ORT America Annual passion for ORT into the next generation”. time for meaningful discussions, on Meeting that with the lay leadership of Jewish charities Continued on back page Giving ORT High hopes for expanding students a tiny advantage ORT Lipson programme Continued from page 1 closely at important emerging topics and The Lipson family, which underwrites the to begin the process of absorbing them annual bringing of ORT students to into our curriculum.” America, hopes to see the highly successful Among the invited experts was Dr Boris programme expand into a multi-national Berenfeld, Director of the International project. Centre at the Concord Consortium. For Dan Lipson, whose late father Nathan, a nearly 20 years, Dr Berenfeld has focused former American ORT National Vice on the use of technology to enhance President, founded the programme seven students’ learning in collaborative science years ago, said he would like to see it projects and on the development of new replicated across the United States and in generations of learning materials in physics, different countries. chemistry and biology that utilise atomic “When my father came up with this idea, and molecular computational models. what he envisioned was a network; he “It is my deep conviction that in the wanted to have not only American cities same way in the 1980s we were talking hosting kids but cities across the world about Information and Communication doing it, so you would have a hub system in Technology (ICT) literacy now it’s high which major cities would be connected to time to talk about molecular and atomic ORT programmes through the students,” literacy to prepare new generations of Mr Lipson said. “We would also really like students in nanoscience,” Dr Berenfeld to see other ORT America chapters do said. “By 2020 we will need a large number something similar. The idea is to take the of ‘nanoworkers’.” existing model and expand it because it It is estimated that more than 800 spreads the word of the organisation and nanotech products are already publicly all the good it stands for.” available. And nanotechnology has the So far, the ORT Lipson International potential to create many new materials and Studies Programme has focused mainly on devices with applications in medicine, bringing Israeli teenagers to Atlanta where electronics, energy production, textiles, they have attended local Jewish day defence and even computing. schools. They are hosted by local families Dr Berenfeld, who was one of several (many of whom go on to become ORT top academics involved in re-establishing America lay leaders) and open a window ORT in Russia in the late 1980s, said ORT onto Israeli life for their American peers was well placed to spearhead knowledge while they themselves improve their of nanotechnology in high schools. English, enhance their leadership skills, ORT students from Kiryat Yam with Joan “ORT has experience in bringing cutting and learn about American life. The Year 8 Lipson and, inset, Dan Lipson. edge technologies to different places since students also commit themselves to using the 1900s whether it was electricity and their improved language skills to help experience for everyone – students, later electronics and high tech. So it’s schoolmates back in Israel with their families, schools and communities,” Mr natural for ORT to enter the English studies. Lipson said. “The interactions and nanotechnology field,” he said. Earlier this year, a group of eight friendships which develop between local Among the challenges of teaching students from two schools in Kiryat Yam students and the Israelis are life changing.” stronger affinity with Israel,” Mr Lipson nanotechnology is the need to attract the and Haifa which benefit from World ORT’s Mr Lipson would also like to see those life- said. “The thing is to bring over ORT brightest students and the need to develop Kadima Mada programme stirred up changing connections made with a wider students to local high schools that are not a new curriculum which is able to tremendous local interest during their range of young to counter the growing Jewish, but which have many Jewish incorporate the diversity of disciplines month in Atlanta. rift between American Jewry and Israel. students. Then you can create an affinity which feed into this field of research, “Their presence here was a fantastic “Kids in Jewish day schools have a which probably didn’t exist.” which generally deals with structures smaller than 100 nanometres, where a nanometre is one-billionth of a metre – approximately the width of three atoms. “Why should students choose to study Teaching values amid diversity nanotechnology? Telling them it’s important won’t suffice; you have to ORT’s reputation as a force for good has was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 engage them through involving them in received a further boost with ORT Mexico’s with Nelson Mandela for his role in hands-on exploration, you have to give second annual education conference, dismantling apartheid, placed the ORT them tools to answer their own questions, which this year attracted Nobel Prize Mexico conference into a global context. you have to motivate them,” Dr Berenfeld winners Frederik de Klerk and Lech Walesa "One of the inescapable implications of said. “My research and development group as keynote speakers. globalisation is an enormous increase in has spent years working to develop very More than 6,000 teachers from 300 the interaction between people from powerful, yet very friendly, software to schMore than 6,000 teachers from 300 different backgrounds, cultures, languages make students into young researchers in schools – a 50 per cent increase on 2008 – and religions. The management of the molecular science.” attended the conference which offered resulting cultural, language and religious In Dr Berenfeld’s session at the Hatter workshops and lectures on the theme of diversity will be one of this century's Seminar participants explored hands-on Values, Equity and Diversity. greatest challenges - for the international ways to integrate highly interactive The Chair of World ORT’s Board of community, for countries and for dynamic molecular models with traditional Trustees, Mauricio Merikanskas, said he organisations like ORT," he said. educational methods so that students can was very impressed by ORT Mexico’s In introducing Mr de Klerk, World ORT experience the ‘nanoworld’ without accomplishment. Director General Robert Singer noted that getting bogged down in difficult Mauricio Merikanskas, Mexico’s First “I was very encouraged in talking to while ORT was a Jewish organisation it was Lady Margarita Zavala and Lech Walesa at theoretical descriptions. teachers who attended the conference – the ORT Mexico conference. "totally committed to equality and diversity, “There is a need to develop a whole new they were very satisfied by the lectures and and the services that we provide reach approach because nanoscience is so the guest speakers,” said Mr Merikanskas, of the conference, which offered individuals, families and communities interdisciplinary, taking in chemistry, who lives in Mexico. “Thanks to initiatives unparalleled opportunities to tap into the irrespective of their race, religion or biology, physics and engineering,” Dr like this conference, ORT is now considered latest pedagogical theories and techniques. nationality". Berenfeld said. “With enough resources, one of the best organisations to capacitate Mr Walesa, who was awarded the Nobel ORT can bridge the gap between research the people of Mexico. We’re now very well Mrs Zavala said she was happy to attend Peace Prize in 1983 for his role in and development and high schools. People recognised throughout Latin America.” the conference “because this organisation overturning Communism as leader of usually underestimate how costly teacher The conference was opened, like last is dedicated to elevating the human spirit 's Solidarity movement, spoke about development and curriculum year, by Mexico's First Lady, Margarita and does it through education and the need for governments to bring development is. It can cost millions. Maybe Zavala de Calderon, and attracted massive technology as a human instrument in the democracy to everyone in their countries some philanthropists will read this and media interest. Mrs Zavala, a teacher by service of human kind and for life”. and not just pay lip service to democratic they can change the future through profession, attended the whole three days In his keynote address, Mr de Klerk, who ideals. engaging students in this field.” 2 Message from the Israel gets smart Director World ORT has joined the Israeli General Government in an ambitious project to convert 1,000 classrooms into high-tech The news these days is grim: once sturdy smart classes featuring Interactive White finance houses require bailing out, the Boards (IWBs). economic growth of the past decade has Over the past year, World ORT has shuddered into reverse, and antisemitism trebled the number of smart classes in the is at its worst level in a generation. Jewish State under Phase 5 of its Kadima One could be forgiven for being Mada (Science Journey) programme by pessimistic. But a benefit of being involved equipping 60 classes with IWBs, Internet with an organisation which is entering its connectivity and other technological aids - 130th year is the consciousness it gives you and providing the teacher training of the long view. There is a silver lining to necessary to ensure the most effective use every cloudy page of doom laden of the 21st Century tools. headlines and it is that we have been The NIS 70 million partnership through tough times before and survived. between the Ministry for Development of We will do so again. National ORT the Negev and the Galilee, the Ministry of organisations are reducing their Education and World ORT will see smart operational budgets, a component of classes built in primary and secondary which is, unfortunately, cutting staff. This schools in the north and south of the painful process has, however, allowed us country. In addition, the Ministry of to maintain our educational programmes Education is committed to fully funding and services to students. teacher training associated with the And, despite the economic crisis, our project for the next four years. devoted lay leadership is once again The huge expansion of this cutting edge, showing its commitment to the ORT interactive technology, in which the mission by maintaining its level of pledges. teaching is done on-line with students' Some donors are waiting for their laptops connected to the IWB, has drawn investments to rally before re-investing in considerable media attention. Before the Thousands of Israeli children are set to benefit from the introduction of ‘smart boards’ our work and that has created some cash Israel election the then Education Minister, like this one which World ORT installed at Sha’ar HaNegev High School last year. flow issues. But, knowing that our work can Professor Yuli Tamir, told a journalist for not wait, our most senior lay leaders are Channel 2 television: "The goal [of this "It's much easier because the teacher can Galilee, the Ministry of Education and the accelerating their payments. I have no doubt project] is to reinforce the same areas that show us all sorts of things instead of Prime Minister's Office. that the rest of our supporters will follow need a better scientific and educational telling us to go to the Internet at home. In addition to supplying hardware and their lead. They know, as I do, that ORT’s infrastructure. An educational infrastructure And we can save things on a memory stick software, the money will provide on-going relevance has grown in these lean times; our is essential in the State of Israel. I'm glad that or by email." logistical maintenance and training and adult training programmes are increasingly we're able to perform this great move for And a teacher added: "Students can send guidance for the teachers in those schools sought after by people who, having lost their students in Israel." their solutions directly on to the [IWB] and where the classrooms will be built, jobs, are using the time to upgrade and And Yaakov Edri, who was then the we can respond and send them the hundreds of which are due to be modernise their professional skills. Minister of Development for the Negev answers. Also, a student who doesn't follow completed by 2010. In addition, my visits to ORT operations and the Galilee, added: "I have no doubt a lesson and wants to keep up doesn't have Orli Yehezkel, CEO of the Ministry for the around the world in recent months have that this project will bring the students of to resort to written summaries - they can Development of the Negev and the Galilee, made me appreciate the need to prepare the Galilee and Negev forward and close go over the recording of the sequence of said: "This investment in exposing students our younger students for the breathtaking the technological gap that currently exists the lesson at home." to advanced technology and in improving pace of technological change and scientific between communities in the centre and World ORT and its partners are students' study skills will lead to major advance. Where 10 years ago a teenager the periphery." contributing NIS 5 million to the Negev improvements in their achievements, I have could express the desire to be a lawyer or Replacement of the traditional chalk and programme and NIS 16 million to the no doubt of that. The cooperation with engineer, today’s high school students do talk approach has captured the Galilee component with other monies Kadima Mada and the Ministry of Education not know what professions may exist by the imaginations of students and teachers alike. coming from the Ministry for the has created a project whose fruits we will all time they leave university. World ORT’s One student told Channel 2 television: Development of the Negev and the enjoy in a short time." global view makes us well aware of these changes and the need to meet the challenges that arise from them. To that end the World ORT Hatter Technology Returning to routine after Gaza war Seminar this year introduced 18 of our teachers from 11 countries to the The communities of southern Israel are the children’s interest and anxiety into pupils by telephone and email and even burgeoning field of nanotechnology (see working towards achieving a sense of learning about the mechanics of rockets,” visited the homes of those who did not page 1) and the next Seminar will focus on equilibrium after the Gaza War. Ms Sharvit said. “They want to know about respond. At Sha’ar HaNegev, many teachers education using mobile devices. More than For some, the January ceasefire has the different types of missiles, their various continued to work during the closure using ever, World ORT is striving to ensure that its brought freedom from Hamas rocket capabilities and how they work. It laptops, provided by World ORT two years educators are on top of the latest attacks; for others little more than a reassured them to know the details of ago after their school was hit by Hamas developments because the job markets that respite. But all of them are working to what missiles can do – and what they can’t. rocket fire, to provide distance learning will exist after this recession will not only overcome the trauma of being targeted, in Psychologically it helped because by with housebound students. be different but also more competitive than the case of teenagers near the Gaza border understanding the physics of rockets these Despite the rocket attacks and the war, the current ones. for half their lives. weapons lost some of their threatening Sha’ar HaNegev Principal Aharon So with the international economic crisis “Every time we hear a bang we’re mystery. And I used Looney Tunes Rothstein is confident that his school’s come opportunities, not only to sharpen scared,” said Lihi Va’anunu, 17, a final year cartoons of Wile E. Coyote using rockets to project to develop a civic studies our educational edge but also to review student at Sha’ar HaNegev, one of three try to catch Road Runner to illustrate what curriculum promoting peaceful co- those elements of our organisational schools – the others being Shikma High I was teaching. It was a really good lesson.” existence and democratic principles, structure which make our mission possible. School at Hof Ashkelon and Makif Aleph in World ORT also helped hundreds of which has brought together educators Spurred on by necessity we are reviewing Be’er Sheva – supported by World ORT’s younger children across the region get from Gaza, Israel, Jordan and other how we raise funds in North America and Kadima Mada programmes which were back into the routine of school by hiring countries, will resume in time. other parts of the world. But this is also an closed for safety reasons during the war. buses to take classes to the safari park in “We will build something new; we don’t opportunity to reach out and support each Compassionate teaching staff used Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv. The trips enabled have a choice,” Mr Rothstein said. “I teach other like, as I mentioned earlier, our lay ingenious methods to help defuse the the young children to relax, to reform their our students to be Zionists, to go into the leader who are making personal sacrifices tension of returning to school. At Be’er group identities and bond again with staff. army and to do their duty in the belief that to maintain their level of giving. Sheva’s Makif Aleph School, the first hour Closing the schools during the war one day peace will come. I also teach them The world economy may be shrinking of lesson time was devoted to talking undoubtedly saved lives – a long-range not to think about the other side as but World ORT is not; we are rallying our about experiences and feelings from the Grad missile hit Makif Aleph early on in the ‘enemies’ – they are human beings. If we material, mental and professional previous month. war. Its warhead packed with ball bearings, think like this we will be able to open new resources to identify and overcome the Smadar Sharvit, the school’s World ORT the rocket pierced the concrete roof of a relationships. I know that there are a lot of challenges ahead as we have done so many Innovation Leader, managed to turn Grade 9 classroom which normally seats civilians in Gaza who believe that there is times in the past. Hamas’s war crimes into a fun-filled nearly 40 children, but no-one was hurt. no other way than to live together in physics lesson. During the enforced closure teachers at peace. And to do that we have to know Robert Singer “As a physics teacher I have harnessed all three schools kept in contact with their each other.” 3 A crèche course in empathy Jewish and non-Jewish primary schools in education system. The crèches which dot Johannesburg's affluent northern suburbs the area often offer barely enough to simply are twinning with tumbledown crèches in keep the children safe while in their care. the Dikhatole township as part of a ORT staff members have given visionary new project devised by ORT presentations at each of the 12 primary South Africa. schools participating in Lend Hands by Launched on Tu BeShvat, the Jewish Giving Rands, showing the relatively well-off 'new year' for trees, the Lend Hands by children there what the conditions are like Giving Rands project plants seeds of in the crèche with which they are twinned. cooperation and empathy among "We wanted to bring home to these communities which are only a few children how other children were living," Ms kilometres apart but at polar opposites in Rod said. "Rather than simply raise money to terms of socio-economic prospects. help an anonymous community the children “We intend to keep raising money and in our project know the name of the crèche, raising awareness for as long we have the the name of the person running it, will see support to do so. So we would love to hear pictures and presentations showing how it from ORT fundraising countries and South develops with their help. Ideally, we would Africans abroad who would like to get like to take the children to visit their peers in involved," said ORT SA Fundraising Dikhatole but there are security issues which Manager Carol Rod. have to be addressed before that's possible." Ms Rod can be contacted at The primary school children have Crush: making the best of the basic facilities at a Dikhatole crèche. [email protected]. thrown themselves into fundraising with outdoor climbing equipment and plastic knows Dikhatole and other townships well The makeshift shacks of Dikhatole are tremendous enthusiasm. The money tables and chairs. However, with sufficient because of the ORT projects on-going home to some 60,000 people, 15 per cent of raised will allow the crèches, which funds, the crèches can also be helped to there. "It's so important to raise some funds whom are children under the age of 15. The together look after more than 1,000 make structural improvements. for these places because any amount will go one primary school in the area, just east of children, to buy basics such as educational "This is such a brilli.ant idea," said a long way. But this project is about so Johannesburg, has 1,400 pupils meaning toys, picture books, musical instruments, Ariellah Rosenberg, ORT SA Provincial much more than raising money; it's about thousands more are left out of the educational posters, blankets and bedding, Manager for Educator Empowerment, who raising awareness, too." New leadership at British ORT ORT France in British ORT has new leadership with good shape ambitious plans to increase fundraising and lay participation by expanding the ORT France is well placed to weather the organisation's presence in Jewish storm of economic crisis that is sweeping communities across the United Kingdom. the world thanks to the leadership of Simon Alberga, a partner at private Marcel Benichou, who has stepped down as equity firm Young Associates, which was the organisation’s president after 13 years. founded by former World ORT President “During his presidency ORT France Lord Young of Graffham, has succeeded became one of the best organised Jewish Alan Goldman as Chairman and has a new, organisations in France,” said Guy Seniak, young line-up of fellow Trustees to support the World ORT Representative in France, him: Danny Brower, Paul Bray, Leo who worked with Mr Benichou as ORT Gestetner and Peter Plaut. France’s National Director. “He insisted on "We have a dynamic new team at British balancing budgets in every field of ORT," Mr Alberga said. "We're energised and operations; he didn’t accept funding our enthusiastic. We all believe there's a big work through debt.” opportunity to expand what the organisation He said that among Mr Benichou’s achievements, three in particular could be does here in the UK because there's an British ORT’s new line-up, from left: Lauren Derman, Dr Noga Zivan, Simon Alberga and highlighted: his establishment of ORT opportunity to significantly raise awareness Muriel Stempel. of ORT and we have the team to do that." France’s financial stability; his The details of running the organisation planned to broaden its support base out going to have some very concrete steps in commitment to refurbish ORT France’s lie with the new Director of Fundraising, from London and will launch a fundraising terms of marketing, PR and fundraising," Mr schools; and the creation of a Jewish Dr Noga Zivan, supported by her recently campaign to build a new, safer campus for Alberga said. "We're going to tackle this in a Studies curriculum focusing on Jewish appointed Events Manager Muriel Stempel students at Sha’ar HaNegev High School, very methodical way. There's an opportunity history and culture. and Office Manager Lauren Derman. Dr near Gaza. to go out to a much broader base of donors, Mr Benichou, an aeronautical engineer Zivan fills the gap left by Ivor Levene OBE, The campaign is part of a long term plan including trusts, and to significantly increase by training, said he had no advice to offer who had to retire due to ill health last year. to reinvigorate the organisation which is the amount of income we generate. It's not his successor, Dr Lucien Kalfon, in whom Israel-born Dr Zivan said British ORT due to be finalised in the summer. going to happen overnight; we have targets he said he had every confidence. But "We're putting together a strategy that's to build things up over the next three years." looking back over his long involvement in one of the ORT family’s most successful operational organisation he revealed the premise on which all his work was based. Educators honour ORT Russia President “The true goal of ORT is not education,” The President of ORT Russia, Professor The honour bestowed upon him comes as Correspondent he said. “It is the survival of Jewry. Alexander Asmolov, has been elected to full Professor Asmolov enters his 15th year ORT Member of the Education is one way among many to membership of the Russian Academy of Russia President. Academy together achieve this goal because the real danger Education, one of the most prestigious “During this period, ORT has become my with Professor facing Jews today is assimilation.” professional institutions in the country. family; and I’m talking here not just in an Alexander Dr Kalfon, boasts a clutch of As an Academician of this august body, educational sense but in a human sense,” he Kondakov, an ORT decorations for his service to France and among his many accomplishments was World ORT Board of Trustees member said. “Many ORT leaders have become dear Russia delegate to Professor Alexander representing France in international Professor Asmolov’s nationwide reputation friends. And the values of human friendship the World ORT Asmolov. as a leading expert on the psychology of and human love are the two highest values in General Assembly in meetings as Director of the Commission in personality – in particular the creation of a this world.” Warsaw last year. And ORT Russia’s Vice- Charge of the Compensation of Victims of practical psychology of education in Russia ORT Russia National Director Dr Slava President, Professor Alexei Semenov, is a Spoliations Resulting from anti-Semitic and his contribution to the modernisation of Leshchiner said Professor Asmolov was well Correspondent Member of the Legislation in Force during the the country’s education system – has been known in Russia for his many television internationally renowned Russian Academy Occupation. He has also held senior confirmed by his peers. appearances discussing issues related to of Science. administrative positions assisting the Professor Asmolov said his election could education and democracy. “That ORT can attract men of such high ministers of the environment, maritime only enhance his work for the organisation. “His election to the strictly limited calibre says a lot about the value of its mission affairs, foreign trade and foreign affairs. “This will definitely give an affirmative membership of the Academy of Education is and the quality of its realisation,” Dr “The high positions he has held in the effect for me as President of ORT Russia,” he very important because it is the highest Leshchiner said. “Their support is a huge State Administration will surely help ORT said. “It will give me the possibility to create recognition by his peers of his contribution vote of confidence in ORT. And Professor France face some difficult years as the an even higher profile for the ORT vision at to educational science,” Dr Leshchiner said. Asmolov’s elevation to academician economic and financial crisis takes hold,” the Academy.” Until now, Professor Asmolov had been a contributes enormously to ORT’s prestige.” Mr Seniak said. 4 Major movie prize for ORT student ORT Uruguay’s Mateo Soler has been Department, Alvaro Buela, was delighted named the Latin America regional winner of with the result. the annual Kodak Filmschool Competition, “We were all happily surprised because which recognises outstanding achievements the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival is in cinematography by student film makers. considered one of the top three in the The film, Fine, which was written and world and so the Kodak competition directed by fellow ORT student Ana Laura attracts the very best film and audiovisual Obispo, is a wordless, seven-minute production of schools in Latin America,” examination of an exasperated man trying to Professor Buela said. “The whole academic escape the congestion of his environment. community of ORT Uruguay is proud of his Renowned Oscar-nominated achievement.” cinematographer Don Burgess, ASC, who Accolades have often followed students has worked on films such as Forrest Gump and graduates of his department. In recent and Spiderman, judged the Kodak years, for example, Ari Carretero won a First competition and praised Mateo’s work for Prize in Documentaries at the Très Court its “excellent use of lenses, framing, Festival, France; Guillermo Carbonell, a composition and lighting to tell the story. graduate of the Bachelor program in He made us feel the horror – a great job.” Audiovisual Communications and currently Winning such a prestigious contest as the an assistant professor in the same study Kodak Filmschool Competition was a huge program, was the single Uruguayan The sky’s the limit for cinematographer Mateo Soler. surprise to the production team, which also admitted to the Berlinale Talent Campus of included ORT students Nicolas Almada the International film Festival, in looking forward to pursuing further •ORT Uruguay university has once again (composer and sound editor), Lucia Sejia February 2006; and Martin Wozniak was cinematographic studies abroad, perhaps in been listed among the top 400 of the (art director), Vanessa Mila (director’s invited to participate in the same England or . Wherever his career takes world’s 25,000 tertiary institutions by the assistant), and Gerardo Castelli (producer). programme in 2007. him, he is appreciative of where it all started Times Higher Education magazine. The “None of us could imagine that we could The Audiovisual Department has been – ORT Uruguay. annual survey of tertiary institutions be in this situation,” Mateo said. “This enrolling about 80 students a year since “The best part of my education at ORT performed by Quacquarelli Symonds ranks feeling of being recognised in this way; it’s ORT Uruguay’s School of Communication was my professors,” he said. “The ORT Uruguay at 387 where it is rubbing incredible, amazing.” and Design was founded in 1994. Almost equipment and facilities are really good, we shoulders with Washington State and Mateo won an all expenses paid tip to the all the students are working in their have all the technology we need and it’s Yeshiva Universities in the USA and 2009 Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival chosen field by the time they graduate, a constantly modernised. But the professors Goldsmiths, University of London. ORT in France where Fine was presented in the record which represents the very essence are very inspiring; they transmit to us not Uruguay’s ranking means that it also Kodak Short Film Showcase. of ORT’s mission. only the techniques of film making but also makes the top 10 tertiary institutions in The Head of ORT Uruguay’s Audiovisual Mateo, who has now graduated, is the love they have for the subject.” Latin America. Hope glimmers for Heftsiba World ORT's schools network in the fundamental issue," Rabbi Eckstein said. And it would not just be the local Jewish “We have waited a long time to build Former faces an uncertain "The fundamental issue is that there is no communities which would suffer the closure something as beautiful as this school,” Ms future following the withdrawal of a major Jewish organisation that is willing or of the ORT schools. Svetlana Manchenko, Manchenko wrote. “To destroy it only funder but hope has been rekindled by an capable of assuming responsibility for the Principal of ORT Odessa, noted that many takes a moment and once destroyed it emergency grant from the International welfare of Jewish children and their future graduates of her school had made aliyah and can’t be rebuilt.” Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ). in the Former Soviet Union." served in the Israel Defence Forces. Matching funds pledged by the State of The State of Israel's financial support Israel had not materialised at time of for Heftsiba has been cut by two-thirds going to press but the IFCJ’s willingness to over the past few years, and it was feared help had prompted a collective sigh of that the withdrawal of JAFI's funding ORT school shines in Odessa relief among World ORT’s staff and would be the final nail in the coffin. affiliates, said World ORT's Representative The Director of ORT Russia, Dr Slava ORT's school in Odessa has emerged from and Education, the Ministry of Science in Russia, Avi Ganon, who has been Leshchiner, was deeply appreciative of the the shadow of budget cuts with a and Education, the National Academy of leading the frantic search for funding to fill IFCJ's financial lifeline. glittering recognition of its educational Science and the Academy of Pedagogical the vacuum left by the Jewish Agency for "This grant is very, very important," Dr achievements. Science of Ukraine. Israel (JAFI). Leshchiner said. "I feel relieved for this A committee of parliamentarians, President of the Academy of "[The IFCJ] are the 'Mashiach' in this year. And for principals this is a very, very academics and educational experts has Pedagogical Science of Ukraine, Professor case," Mr Ganon said. "Without their important emergency measure because named the school a Flagship of Vasiliy Kremen, said the ORT school had initiative this funding deal would not have this amount of money will allow them to Contemporary Science and Education in contributed to "finding new ways of come about. Once all the $600,000 comes pay teachers and to continue Ukraine, placing it among the top one per modernising education and science" in through, the schools will be able to transportation of children and social cent of the country's education sector. the country. function properly until the end of the year programme such as hot lunches. This The ORT school had been nominated The school, which is situated a block providing Jewish education and covering money will allow them to continue normal by the Odessa Department of Education away from ORT's original vocational all necessary expenses. What's important work. But I am worried about next year." because of its impressive performance school in the port city founded in 1882, is the Israeli government's recognition of Just how worrying the situation is has over the past year, including its winning provides high quality Jewish and general its obligation to Heftsiba, to be committed been described in letters sent by ORT of a local competition focusing on education for 400 students aged to the project and not let it collapse." school principals to JAFI senior modern technologies in education and between six and 17. The school offers a The 16 ORT schools in the region face management. its recognition at a national education wide variety of technology and being absorbed into the public education The Principal of ORT Gesher School in exhibition. vocational courses, in particular ICT and system and losing their Jewish character Samara, Svetlana Kosareva, for example, In addition to the Heftsiba funding robotics. It is one of six schools and 10 because of JAFI’s decision to stop funding wrote that the effect of the funding cut crisis, Ukraine's struggling economy vocational training centres affiliated to Heftsiba, the programme which provides was “devastating”. Jewish Studies and means there is relatively little public ORT in the country. for Jewish Studies, supplementing Jewish extra-curricular activities would money to maintain the school's fabric and School Principal Svetlana Manchenko teachers' wages and security. Heftsiba also have to be cancelled and the bus service amenities, said World ORT Coordination said: "Thanks to our close cooperation provides hot lunches and school buses - withdrawn – effectively killing it as a Department Head Vladimir Dribinskiy. with World ORT we have modern critical services for schools serving Jewish Jewish school. "The school has suffered a lot from computer classes and a media library. communities scattered across large urban “During all these difficult years, the budget cuts yet despite these problems it We're able to maintain up-to-date sprawls and teaching a curriculum that school has been successfully developing manages to maintain a very good standard educational equipment, including the demands long days. creative traditions, attractive creative and of education - the result of the 'Archimedes' digital laboratory which Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Founder and talented staff,” Ms Kosareva wrote. combination of dedicated, skilled staff and allows students to prepare high level President of the IFCJ, warned that the “Through years and hardship we have 13 years' input from World ORT," Mr practical work and presentations in Jewish community needed to find a way to earned experience and prestige among Dribinskiy said. chemistry, physics and biology." secure the long term future of Jewish Jewish organisations in Samara and local The ORT Odessa school is one of only In addition, the widespread use of ICT education in the Former Soviet Union. education authorities. It is unbearable to 126 institutions designated an in the school allowed the expansion of "The Fellowship feels privileged to be think that our Jewish school, created by educational flagship by the committee, inter-subject connections, which in turn able to help World ORT; but this is only a the efforts of many talented people will which was a joint venture by the developed students' educational skills band-aid and there's no solution yet to the turn into ruins.” Parliamentary Committee on Science and motivation, Mrs Manchenko said. 5 ORT Argentina’s virtual campus a real winner ORT Argentina’s pioneering development of a virtual campus serving its two existing campuses in Buenos Aires was presented recently at London’s Online Information Conference by Virtual Campus CEO Guillermo Lutzky. Here, the expert who chaired the session gives his assessment.

How can schools use the internet to get audiovisual formats and using mobile devices. better interaction between students, After only a year they have detected a teachers, administration and parents? writes significant growth in teaching innovation and Showcasing ORT to the world Peter Godwin, Academic Liaison Librarian productivity. Final year students are using For Guillermo Lutzky it was an amazing transparent, flat, ubiquitous and adaptable,” at the University of Bedfordshire. blogs for reflection in their Graduation experience to be invited to travel half-way Mr Lutzky said. “I’m not aware of anyone Guillermo Lutzky treated delegates to an Projects. The blogs are also proving useful to around the world to show his organisation’s else in Latin America doing something as impressive presentation demonstrating market their achievements and can assist achievements to a gathering of 900 extensive as this. This is a pioneering how ORT Argentina decided its structure students as online CVs. information professionals and knowledge project to empower teachers and students must become more open and flexible in Other Web 2.0 tools have been employed managers from more than 40 countries. to produce and to publish.” order to help their students cope with including delicious (social book-marking), “This is proof of the opportunities that The resulting network of weblogs, which current trends. for sharing favourite resources and as a the ORT system gives to its teachers and its can be seen at http://campus.ort.edu.ar, has Blogs – on-line diaries which allow taxonomy tool to organise the blogs. An students, that in a third world country we raised ORT Argentina’s profile on the comments from others – were the chosen institutional YouTube channel has been can develop a top-of-the-line educational Internet and strengthened classroom instrument to start off the project. At first launched with more than 200 videos being project of interest to people in the richest productivity. these were done in a subject framework but uploaded and can be seen at countries. This really shows what ORT is all “Patterns have emerged: when quality spread more widely because of their ease of http://uk.youtube.com/user/CampusVirtual about,” Mr Lutzky said. work is published there is a need to make ORT. Some wikis have also been created by The Virtual Campus is designed to contributions following the same high After only a year they have joint teams of students and teachers at expose its more than 6,000 students and standards,” Mr Lutzky said. “Teachers 1,000 staff to new technologies, especially assess homework and projects, read detected a significant growth http://introductiontotechnology.wikispaces. com/. to collaborative tools – known as Web 2.0 weblogs from other departments and in teaching innovation and Students and teachers have reacted well applications – and to achieve a richer and publish relevant information for students productivity to incorporating the new technologies into stronger interaction between students, and colleagues. Furthermore, other learning, as is shown by content reaching teachers, administrators. teachers from non-technological subjects operation, reliability and cheapness. By June higher standards than expected. “The aim is to make the processes that have also made use of weblogs. The 2008 there were more than 600 blogs, which It was exciting to hear about an institution take place within the organisation, the institution has begun to open new spaces is amazing. They have been aggregated at that reminded me of the Web 2.0 “evangelist” school and the classroom public, for dialogue and action.” http://redblogs.ort.edu.ar/. Teachers and Will Richardson’s important book Blogs, students have become akin to researchers wikis and podcasts, and other powerful web presentation they found it hard to accept the and parents and achieve a flatter, more open and producers of knowledge. tools for classrooms. general enthusiasm that seemed to have structure which inspires more creative and Among other things these have helped the Delegates at the conference were been aroused. exciting ways of learning. creation of teaching and learning particularly interested in how institutional It was an inspiring presentation which Peter Godwin is co-editor of the book communities based on projects, and change was fostered through use of Web 2.0 showed how Web 2.0 tools can create greater “Information Literacy meets Library 2.0” encouraged course redesign incorporating tools. In the discussion which followed the collaboration between teachers, students published by Facet, 2008. Prestigious Konex Award for ORT Argentina One of Argentina’s leading cultural hand and the confidence parents have in organisations, the Konex Foundation, has us on the other. Our teachers are deeply recognised ORT Argentina's educational committed to their work, highly excellence by awarding it the 2008 Merit professional and have a profound respect Diploma. for knowledge; parents encourage us to The Konex Foundation's Grand Jury constantly strive for excellence. We would chose ORT Argentina, which last year like to share this award with all our graduated a record 802 students, to receive students and graduates.” this honour in recognition of its outstanding On its website, the Konex Foundation performance over the past 10 years. says: “The diversity of educational projects “From its origins in 1936, ORT Argentina – designed and developed in the schools – has offered an education of excellence in reveal ORT’s fundamental and changing contexts and has assumed with distinguishing principles, which account honour, commitment and passion the for its long-standing tradition. ORT has responsibility of providing its services to always provided stat-of-the-art solutions to every child, regardless of his or her socio- A winning team: collecting the Konex Award from Argentine Vice President Julio meet the education and training needs of economic situation, even during the most Cobos(far right) and the President of the Konex Foundation Grand Jury are, from the community. The principles are oriented critical moments that our country has left, ORT Argentina’s Executive Director Dr Adrián Moscovich, General Secretary towards achieving personal integrity, undergone in the last decade,” the Konex Darío Jaraj, and Honorary President Norma de Werthein. respect for values that enable integration Foundation said. pride and enthusiasm by the award, which schools and institutes set an example in into society in an effective and constructive The Executive Director of ORT was an “important distinction in the field of education,” Mr Moscovich said. way, and the acknowledgement of the Argentina, Adrian Moscovich, said recognition of our everyday work”. “These achievements are the result of the humanistic foundations of an inheritance everyone at ORT Argentina was filled with “As on many other occasions, our work carried out by teachers on the one to be preserved.” Excellence? GET-IT with ORT The excellence with which ORT has entrepreneurship training serves to project mission is to create new implemented Hewlett-Packard’s GET-IT highlight just how impressive our opportunities in the modern, knowledge- concept into its training programmes in the community-based model is. It’s wonderful based economy for our trainees – not all of Former Soviet Union has won it a $10,000 that Hewlett-Packard and its partners whom are deaf or women – by providing prize at the HP GET-IT (Graduate around the world appreciate that our them with the skills necessary to pursue a Entrepreneurship Training through IT) approach is very good.” career in IT-based business.” Annual Conference in Brussels. Dr Gorinskiy presented ORT’s prize- The GET-IT programme focuses on the The prize winners were chosen by a poll winning project – Breaking the Digital need to encourage job creation and of the GET-IT partners from 25 countries Divide: Business and IT skills for entrepreneurship among people below the who were attending the conference, Underserved Population Groups – at the age of 25. Its training courses deal with Recognition factor: Dr Sergey Gorinskiy increasing the significance of the award. conference. practical IT solutions for daily business presents ORT Russia’s approach. “This is fantastic recognition from “Of the several population groups which challenges faced in areas such as finance, completely independent people,” said Dr face particular problems in the Russian human resources, marketing, programmes in the Former Soviet Union, Sergey Gorinskiy, Deputy Director of the economy today, two became the target communications and technology ORT currently manages six GET-IT centres World ORT Representative Office for the groups for our project: deaf and hard-of- management. in Moscow, Ekaterinburg, Tambov, CIS and . “That we were placed hearing students and women, specifically in As HP’s principal partner in the Volgograd and Tula, and the recently second to a Belgian agency specialising in the technological sphere,” he said. “The implementation of social investment opened St Petersburg centre. 6 Teenager’s breakthrough cancer research An Israeli teenager whose research into Head of the Weizmann’s Chemical Physics how cells become cancerous has resulted Department and chairman of the World ORT in a potentially life-saving discovery has Excellence Award’s adjudicating committee. won the top prize in the annual World More than 70 high school students from ORT-Weizmann Institute Excellence Award. across Israel submitted works for the Dina Listov, 18, received a university Excellence Award. As part of the selection scholarship worth $5,000 for her project, “A process, all entrants were required to make Study of Polyamine Homeostasis in the a presentation of their work in English and Cell: The Influence of Oncogenes on five were selected to go through to the final. Transcription of Antizyme Inhibitor”. Dina’s study looked at the regulation of The adjudicating panel of experts levels of polyamines in cells, polyamines declared Dina’s to be “an impressive work; being naturally occurring substances which it could make a scientific contribution to are associated with cell growth and the study of cancer”. In its citation the Young Einsteins: World ORT-Weizmann Institute Excellence Award finalists Monica division. A likely sign of cancer is when cells panel continued: “The project presents a Forman, Peter Teishev, Dina Listov, Ravid Ben Abu and Raz Balin. have too many polyamines. Using cloning clear research question systematically cancer develops” could have life-saving enjoyed the work.” and other advanced techniques, Dina studied by advanced methods of ramifications. Cultivating such enthusiasm for science found that the more of a protein called Ras, research… The student showed deep “Theoretically, this could lead to a new is a prime goal of the World ORT- which is associated with carcinogenesis, is understanding of complex scientific ideas cancer treatment,” she said. But it was her Weizmann Institute Excellence Award present in a cell the higher the level of in a very detailed work. We were very love of biology that motivated her. “Doing project, the prizes for which are funded by Antizyme Inhibitor, a DNA region which impressed by her planning, the work was pretty exciting. I didn’t think the UK-based Kennedy Leigh Charitable regulates the transcription of a gene. implementation and analysis of findings.” of prizes or discovering anything, I was Trust and World ORT. “The results obtained in this work show Dina, who conducted research at the just caring about the work. I sat up for “The finalists were only at high school a connection between Ras oncogenesis and Weizmann Institute of Science as part of hours and hours at night doing it. I’m and they have reached a level of which any polyamine regulation,” said Dina, whose her high school matriculation, admitted happy that I found something but even if I undergraduate student would not be mother is a chemist at a nuclear research that her discovery of “a pathway by which hadn’t it would’ve been great because I ashamed,” said Professor Shimon Vega, the centre and whose father is a journalist. The mouse that roars A helping hand for The Argentinean media have been abuzz The mouse uses easily available with news of a cheap and simple mouse, components, such as a webcam, light bulb students in need designed by students and teachers at ORT and cellophane for its system. Argentina, which allows disabled people to The webcam is fastened to a headband, World ORT has distributed more than crying and threw his arms around me in use their computers easily and comfortably. cap or helmet worn by the user. This webcam $300,000-worth of aid to high school gratitude. He has now decided to stay in The development team at the ORT interacts with an infrared transmitter placed students from some of the poorest school.” Technical School (Belgrano campus) in on the computer screen and, thanks to the backgrounds in Israel – aid that is not only Rajach Gadban, high school principal in Buenos Aires has applied use of simple software, keeping some students in education, it is the Druze town of Horfesh, said the benefits for a patent but plans to transforms the user’s head also fostering ties of friendship with Israel’s extended beyond the classroom. make the technology movements into a click, non-Jewish communities. “One of my 11th grade pupils was arguing freely available in order to double click or movement The aid was in the form of vouchers for with his parents because they didn’t buy him help disadvantaged of the mouse. spectacles, uniforms, sports shoes, stationery the text books he needed,” Mr Gadban said. members of society. To So that the webcam and and text books which were distributed to 18 “The vouchers provided the means by which help future users, the infrared transmitter schools, most of them Jewish. he could get the books and so restored students plan to create a could communicate, the The companies from which World ORT peace in his home; and now that the student technical help desk young innovators simply bought the vouchers – Optika Halperin, has returned to a proper relationship with accessible via Internet. stuck two pieces of blue H&O, Kravitz and Tsomet Sefarim – each his parents he is better able to understand “The idea is to give away free software and red cellophane together and placed contributed money or additional vouchers to their difficulty in helping him.” and the connection plans of the infrared them over the webcam’s lens. An ordinary significantly boost the amount of aid given. Not only that, the fact that such help was transmitter and the webcam so that light bulb with the same cellophane “One of the recipients at my school is a coming from a Jewish organisation was a anyone with any hand disability can use it,” combination can be used as the transmitter. 10th grade boy, an orphan who lives with his sign of friendship between communities. Dario Mischener, the Director of the “This is an innovative project,” said Luis uncle,” said Jalal Hamdi, principal at the Arab “These vouchers are a sign of the sincerity school’s Information and Communication Perez, Studies Director at the ORT Almagro Shfaram High School in the Galilee. of a Jewish organisation which wants to help Technology track, told La Nacion campus in Buenos Aires. “It’s the first time “Unfortunately the uncle doesn’t support the Druze and strengthen their belonging to newspaper. “We don’t want anybody to that such a project has been produced at him. The student worked last summer in the State of Israel,” Mr Gadban said. depend on a commercial supplier. For us, high school level. We feel very proud of our order to buy text books, pens, paper and Mr Hamdi added: “We feel great to have we want to help by transferring students and their entrepreneurial spirit.” other necessities but couldn’t make enough received this help, we feel supported and knowledge; in this case by providing a Details of the project can be viewed at money to cover all his needs and was heard. The fact that World ORT is Jewish solution to a challenge faced by one sector ORT Argentina’s website: thinking of leaving school. When I gave him gives us the feeling that we are not only of the population.” http://campus.belgrano.ort.edu.ar/tic. the vouchers from World ORT he started cousins but brothers.” World ORT gives hope wings World ORT is helping disadvantaged “All of them have an aptitude for the students from peripheral parts of Israel to subject matter that will serve them well attain the qualifications they need to be and allow them to serve their country technicians in the Israeli air force. well,” said the Head of World ORT’s With the financial backing of the UJA- Representative Office in Israel, Rony Federation of New York, World ORT is Kalinsky. “They don’t have the maths and helping to pay for 70 youths – many of physics qualifications normally required to them of Ethiopian origin – to go through a enrol on this course because they may be two-year practical electronic engineering new immigrants without the necessary diploma course in the Golan. language skills or because they were Emek HaYarden College, they will live at a study trips, Torah study and pastoral care. The joint programme with the IDF not unable to access the additional help residential centre called Adir BeMarom, in Rabbi Laslo recognised the significance only gives young Israelis the chance to needed while at school to realise their Katzrin, part of the Midreshet HaGolan of the deepening cooperation between embark on a strong career path, it helps to potential. But we’re giving them the Hesder Yeshiva. The centre is run along World ORT and Midreshet HaGolan. meet the lack of trained technicians in the chance to prove themselves. The IDF religious lines under the Directorship of “We have a joint objective,” he said, “to Israeli military, particularly the air force. benefits by getting trained personnel and Rabbi Itzik Laslo. nurture and promote technological Collectively known as the Kadima Mada the students benefit by getting an As well as catch-up courses in maths and excellence among all populations in order Class, boys have enrolled on the interesting job during national service that physics and extra tuition to help them cope to strengthen Israel’s army, security, programme from high schools throughout will train them and give them several years with lectures, the boys undergo a cultural economy and society with a deep the country, including those benefiting of superb experience that will ensure that enrichment programme that will give them understanding that the focal point is on from World ORT’s Kadima Mada (Science they are highly sought after in civilian life.” a deeper understanding of, and national values, excellence in education Journey) programme. During the two years the youths are at appreciation for, the Land of Israel as well as and sharing the burden.” 7 Major donations set the pace The example of two American families who organisation. All of our donations add up! gave donations worth a combined total of As much as we each do for ORT, you and I $6 million is motivating ORT America’s must consider our own annual gifts – we supporters to dig deeper in their own are among the most devoted to this pockets despite the recession. organisation and we need to do our best to The extraordinary generosity and vision of set an example.” long time ORT supporters Claire and And that also meant asking donors who Robert Mazer, who gave $1 million, and the are closest to ORT to give even more than Schoenbaum family who gave $5 million, they have previously. boosted World ORT’s Kadima Mada “It might be hard to get up the nerve to programme in Israel. ask for an increased gift but just as families But their investments came, as ORT and true friends step up in times of need, America National Executive Committee we must step up today for our students Chair Shelley Fagel put it at the ORT around the world,” Ms Kirschbaum said. America Annual Meeting in California, Despite what are the most challenging during the ‘good’ part of 2008 – before the times for fundraising in most people’s year turned ‘bad’ and finally ‘ugly’. living memory, Ms Kirschbaum was However, in setting out the confident that ORT America would succeed organisation’s fundraising strategy, Vice in its mission. President and National Campaign “We are part of an incredible chain that Leadership Chair, Linda Kirschbaum, began in 1880 - and not only will we keep urged the more than 200 people at the that chain whole, we will strengthen and Annual Meeting to rise to the challenge of polish it for the future. It is our Actor Ed Asner, right, best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as the fundraising in a cold economic climate. responsibility because our students are campaigning newspaper editor Lou Grant, presents Holocaust Survivor and “Let’s be energised by the investment in counting on us. As President Obama said in former Director of ORT programmes in a post-war Displaced Persons camp Dr Sam Goetz with ORT America’s highest honour, the Tikkun Olam Award at the ORT recently made by two devoted ORT his address last Tuesday, for which both organisation’s Annual Meeting in California. Mr Asner, himself a past recipient of families – the Schoenbaums and the sides of the aisle gave a standing ovation, ‘In the award, said Dr Goetz – who set up the first Holocaust Studies programme at Mazers,” Ms Kirschbaum said. “We might a global economy, where the most valuable a public American university and was a founding member of the US Holocaust not all be able to give million-dollar skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good Museum – was receiving the award for his commitment to and achievements in contributions but, trust me, every single education is no longer just a pathway to tzedakah, the mitzvah of giving, and tikkun olam, repairing the world. donation is important and vital to the opportunity, it is a pre-requisite.’” World ORT’s Extra security for ORT India leaders confident

Armed guards, high walls, locked doors pre-aliyah training programmes, is After the massacre, Mr Galsurkar and about future and windows, and closed-circuit situated in a predominantly Muslim his friends helped members of Israel’s Continued from page 1 television cameras are set to become part neighbourhood close to the Magen David Zaka rescue organisation to find matters that will impact the organisation of ORT India’s daily reality in the wake of Synagogue. accommodation, provided them with for many years to come. There's also a November’s Mumbai terrorist attack Sharon Galsurkar, the Head of ORT kosher food, volunteered to help them feeling of collegiality here with everyone which left more than 100 people dead, India’s Jewish Education Resource clean the Chabad House and retrieve pulling in the same direction. This was including a young rabbi and his wife. Centre, which conducts Hebrew- body parts for burial, and joined those Jean's vision, a vision we share, and I think After centuries of peaceful co-existence language training programmes, said: who recited tehillim (Psalms) as the what he foresaw is coming about." with Muslim neighbours, the Jewish “The threat always existed because we bodies were taken to the El Al plane to The Board of Representatives focused community in India was left feeling knew that there were elements here that Israel. its deliberations on the economic crisis, deeply vulnerable following the targeting could be dangerous. But [the Jewish “He is too modest to acknowledge the its impact on fundraising and the financial of the Chabad Jewish outreach centre in community] has never had an attack like extent of his contribution,” ORT India health of the organisation. In spite of the Mumbai by Islamist terrorists – the first this; Mumbai has never had an attack like National Director Benjamin Isaac said. challenges, members discussed how to such targeting of Jews in the country. this. We have to be extra careful now – all “But he was on the front line from the increase revenue rather than merely With World ORT’s support and the full the organisations, all the synagogues will beginning to the end, personifying the maintain pre-recession income streams. cooperation of the city’s authorities, have to improve security.” ideal of a Jewish response to such a The Board also examined educational ORT India is seeking ways of installing Mr Galsurkar was a friend of the slain tragedy. He gave of himself to the point challenges in the Former Soviet Union, hitherto unnecessary security features rabbi, Gavriel Holtzberg, and shared his of exhaustion and sought nothing in where the ORT school network faces a on its premises. detailed knowledge of the Chabad return. His spirit of solidarity was one funding crisis, the expanding Kadima The main ORT India centre is in a House with Indian special forces to help that made us all at ORT India very proud Mada (Science Journey) programme in relatively safe part of Mumbai. But its them prepare their eventual assault on and, as an organisation, we were happy Israel, and increasing antisemitism, male dormitory, which is being the building where the terrorists were to support him in his efforts.” particularly in Europe. refurbished to house Bnei Menashe from holed up. He later provided shelter for "The discussions we’ve had here made north-east India while they undergo ORT the rabbi’s young son, who had escaped. us realise that education is more important now than ever before," ORT America President Doreen Hermelin said. "In turbulent times such as these you help people by giving them the skills they need ORT colleges fashion closer ties for employment. They need to be trained better than ever before and ORT can meet ORT and the Moscow ORT teaching, classes, workshops and Technology College is at the stage in its that need better than any other Technology College have agreed to equipment were the same as in Strasbourg development where it has a lot of organisation, so we have to buckle down collaborate in the teaching of fashion – a compatibility which should facilitate the experience that it can share with the and tell people how important the work is design – a demonstration of the benefits of development of closer ties. whole ORT network throughout the that ORT's doing. It's not going to be easy, belonging to an international organisation “The new design courses at Strasbourg world. And in return, the direct contacts but it's doable." in a period of globalisation. are expected to double their enrolment which the College makes with other ORT Under the agreement, Moscow ORT over the next year or so and linking with institutions enrich it very much.” Editor: Stefan Bialoguski Technology College will share its Moscow will further enhance their Dr Leschiner said that ORT Strasbourg’s Email: [email protected] considerable expertise in teaching fashion attractiveness to potential students,” Mr dormitory facilities meant that Russian Designed and produced by: design with ORT Strasbourg, which has just Sabbah said. students will have the opportunity of DS Print & Redesign started a BTS diploma course in the subject To start with, the two colleges are staying there for a semester or even a year. World ORT Times that allows graduates to continue their looking at short term student and staff “We have also discussed the possibility World ORT, studies at a Masters level in university. The exchanges and the cultivation of of undertaking joint projects using ORT House, 126 Albert Street diploma builds on the success of the one- professional contacts in areas such as distance learning technology because the London, NW1 7NE, UK year foundation course in design launched curriculum design and training Moscow college hosts the ORT Lawson Tel: +44-(0)20-7446-8500 by ORT Strasbourg two years ago. programmes. Vocational Training Centre, which has a lot Fax: +44-(0)20-7446-8650 ORT Strasbourg Principal Claude Sabbah “I am delighted with this of experience in setting up distance www.ort.org was impressed when he visited the development,” ORT Russia Director Dr learning projects,” Dr Leschiner said. ISSN 1681-648X Moscow college and noted that the Slava Leschiner said. “The Moscow ORT © World ORT 2008 8