Educating Individuals Vol. 1 Winter 2007 Impacting Communities Improving the World

Vol. 2 Spring 2007 ORT AMERICA TIMES Convention 2007 Edition ORT Science Journey DVD Enclosed - Look inside!

The ORT America Era Begins at Opening Plenary

The 2007 Inaugural ORT America Convention got off to an exciting start at its Opening Plenary with Convention Chair Sara R. Trub (Virginia Beach, VA) presiding as attendees celebrated the birth of a new, united organization.

The moving ceremony began with the melodious singing of ORT Rome graduate and renowned Cantor Mikhail Manevich.

“As a refugee from the Soviet Union, I received my ABCs in English from the ORT Rome school,” he said. Then ORT students from around the world introduced Past Presidents of Women’s American ORT and American ORT, who were honored at the themselves, explaining how ORT has given Opening Plenary. From L to R: Reese Feldman, Carol Linch, Alvin Gray, Pepi Dunay, Robert L. Sill, Ruth Eisenberg Moskowitz, Sandy Isenstein, Judy Menikoff and Joe Cohen them the skills for a successful future.

Ruth Eisenberg Moskowitz (Verona, NJ) gave a heartfelt tribute “‘Make me happy’, she would say, and they would enroll by the to the late Gertrude White, Past President of Women’s American hundreds. Thousands around the country were inspired by her ORT, reminding all how Mrs. White made recruitment a top courage and devotion. Gert’s spirit will remain a part of ORT priority, overseeing some of the most successful membership forever,” Mrs. Moskowitz said, echoing the feelings of everyone in increases in Women’s American ORT’s history. the room. continued on Page 2

Convention Pledges for ORT Programs Exceed $1 Million

More than $1 million in new pledges was introduced a video message from Rivana raised in conjunction with the ORT Tendler, mother of Keren Tendler, and a America Inaugural Convention for ORT’s video in remembrance of Keren Tendler. global programs, as well as $138,000 Sgt Major Tendler was a female flight raised from the presentation of checks by mechanic who died in the Hezbollah chapter and area presidents. attacks last summer. ORT America has started a scholarship in her name to ORT America Vice President Linda encourage more women to go into the Kirschbaum (Highland Park, IL), presided field of flight mechanics, as well as a over a Campaign Plenary that began with memorial garden in her home town. an Israeli Remembrance Day prayer Another film told the miraculous story of recited by Mindy Gordon (Chicago, IL). Tomer Weinberg, who survived a Hezbollah attack in which two Israeli ORT America Vice President Linda Kirschbaum Dorene Berger (Virginia Beach, VA), Chair soldiers were kidnapped. presides over the Campaign Plenary. of the World ORT Control Commission, continued on Page 3 Presidential Advisors Discuss Working in the White House

ORT America Board Member Neil Model (Ivyland, PA) presided over a fascinating conversation between Noam Neusner, former advisor to President George W. Bush, and former Clinton staffer Jay Footlik, about the challenging issues they faced while working in the White House.

Comparing their work to TV’s “The West Wing,” both noted the speedy pace of the actual West Wing and agreed that even a difficult day at the White House rivals a successful day anywhere else.

In recalling significant White House memories, Mr. Neusner lauded the luxury of flying on Air Force One and Mr. Footlik told of a light moment he shared with Israeli Prime Minister Yizhak Rabin only ten days before the Prime Minister’s assassination. Noam Neusner (L) and Jay Footlik (R) engaged in a friendly debate as ORT America Board Member Neil Model moderated. While each made jokes about the other’s political party, the two made opposite party predictions about the 2008 election. Mr. Footlik, a Democrat, likes Mitt Romney’s chances as the Republican, thinks we may welcome Senator Hillary Clinton as Republican Presidential candidate, while Mr. Neusner, a our next Democratic President.

continued from Page 1 The ORT America Times is a publication of ORT America, Inc. The ORT America Era Begins at Opening Plenary

Audience members viewed a Virtual Time Judy Menikoff (Salisbury, CT), immediate Capsule, which gave a brief yet Past President of ORT America, took comprehensive glimpse at the combined audience members on a ride through time 75 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor years of history that culminated this year in as she highlighted significant moments in New York, NY 10038-4607 the founding of ORT America. The Virtual the organization’s history, framing them 800.519.2678 Time Capsule paid tribute to the past with nostalgic bits of American culture. presidents of American ORT and Women’s She also addressed some of the www.ORTAmerica.org American ORT. Past presidents attending challenges that currently face ORT came to the stage and were met with a America. Sarina Roffé standing ovation. National Communications Director “Our challenges have resulted in amazing Robert Singer, Director General of World new opportunities,” said Mrs. Menikoff as Jessica Weitzman ORT, spoke briefly about the importance of she ended the time journey with a glance Assistant Director this Inaugural Convention. “This is a at a possible future, where “ORT will special day for ORT activities in the United become a household name.” Jeremy Chernikoff States,” he proclaimed, “and a special day Assistant Director for ORT students around the world.” After a short break, ORT Vice President America Roz Vermut (Jericho, NY) Bonnie Hirsch Communications Assistant Joe Cohen (Atlanta, GA), outgoing Vice delivered the final Treasurer’s Report for President of ORT America gave a history Women’s American ORT and gave ORT America supports a global network of schools of both organizations, noting some of the Convention goers a positive update and and training programs in 56 countries that boast many accomplishments achieved by outlook for the years ahead. more than 3 million graduates to date. Worldwide American supporters of the ORT mission. Jewish and secular communities are strengthened And while Mr. Cohen’s speech dealt mainly The program ended on a high note, with in those towns and cities in which ORT programs with the two organizations’ history, he did Outstanding Leadership Awards exist. The cutting edge education acquired at ORT not forget the importance of the future. presented to Sharon Eisenshtadt, schools, colleges and international programs “The Convention is only the beginning of Sandie Ivers, Bill Klineman, Michael provide marketable skills that enable students to great things to come,” he said. Perlmuter, Lynn Reiner and Maryon attain successful careers, become community Weill. (see page 5) leaders and live with dignity. For more information, visit ortamerica.org. ORT America | Page 2 A Message from ORT America National President Doreen Hermelin

As I assume the presidency of ORT America, I Europe and Asia. Talk about a Jewish light unto hope I can follow my predecessors’ example of the nations! leadership to help unite all of us who believe in ORT and its vital service to our people and to ORT America is a newer, stronger organization that mankind. can now speak with one clear voice and be a major player on the world stage of philanthropy. 40 years ago, a young bride attended her first And in this undertaking, we have the opportunity meeting of a small group of women who came and the obligation to engage everyone in our ORT together to do good and have an enjoyable time enterprise. doing it. And then we just launched Science Journey – Soon I realized there was a deep purpose to these the extraordinary program that is bringing science meetings: not just social gatherings but social and technology education to 30 very diverse ORT America National change. I admired ORT’s education focus and its President Doreen Hermelin schools in Israel that had been lacking modern history of helping our people everywhere by giving computers and lab equipment. them the tools to improve their lives. The vision of a better world appealed to me. It went right to my These schools, in the most vulnerable Jewish and heart. And so, fundraising joined family raising as priorities and Druze neighborhoods also suffer from high unemployment. In a my romance with ORT flourished. unique partnership with the local government, we are providing them with educational tools for the 21st century. ORT America That former bride now assumes her new role, a little wiser and has pledged to support this bold and caring Science Journey still in love with ORT. And as you probably know, it was my late initiative – and we will continue to deliver on our promise. husband David’s passion as well. I want to share with you how amazing the Science Journey He was a dreamer and a doer. He revered modern technology. program is and my recent mission with past president Judy Because of that, he believed an ORT education could open the Menikoff to see the schools firsthand. Please watch the special door to a productive future for Jews and non-Jews alike. He Science Journey DVD we have enclosed in this newsletter would have been proud to witness the creation of the David B. and share it with your friends and family. Hermelin/ORT Resource Center at our Jewish Community Center in Detroit. In the coming years, I hope many of you will join me and we can all become ambassadors for ORT, participating in missions, As powerful as it is, the image of ORT is not widely known. ORT visiting schools, meeting students and bringing the message back. believes that education is vital to a person’s well-being. As a Reaching more people and telling them about the wonderful work worldwide priority, it also can help lead to prosperity and peace. that ORT is doing. …. one school, one program, one computer, There can be no more potent evidence of our impact than the one student at a time. tens of thousands of friends we’ve made in Africa, South America,

continued from Page 1 Convention Pledges for ORT Programs Exceed $1 Million

While everyone was reaching for unemployment. The $7.4 million program mezuzah dedicated at an ORT school), and something to dry their eyes, World ORT doubles the Ministry of Education’s budget her personal gift of three Mezuzahs. In a Director General Robert Singer for science and technology education and short period of time, Convention attendees introduced the newly-produced Science provides extensive teacher training in the made new pledges to ORT America. Journey DVD, which highlights the intense use of the equipment. Combined with pledges from special need for the new science and events for Diamond Ladder/Major Gifts technological program. Science Journey Linda Kirschbaum then led a campaign and 1880 Society members the total brings science and technology labs to 30 caucus, leading with her announcement of amount of money raised was $1.2 million, low-performing schools in Israel, most of the new ORT America Mezuzah an impressive start for the newly-merged them in border areas with high Campaign (a gift of $5,000 toward a organization.

ORT America | Page 3 Inaugural Installation Dinner Honors the Past And Gives a Peek at OA’s Future

An evening of fun and fanfare kicked off As the new board was ORT America with 1880 Society member installed, Mrs. Isenstein noted Steve Schlosser (Washington, DC) giving a the significant combined comedic performance as Master of financial commitment of the Ceremonies for ORT America’s Inaugural first ORT America Board of Installation Dinner. Directors.

The program began with Roger Browdy “Your decisions affect the (Chevy Chase, MD) paying tribute to Joe future of the ORT Cohen (Atlanta, GA), past president of program…As a group, you American ORT (AO), and with Pepi Dunay bring major leadership (Boca Raton, FL), past president of Women’s experience to ORT America,” American ORT (WAO), paying tribute to Judy she said. Menikoff (Salisbury, CT), immediate past president of Women’s American ORT and Mrs. Isenstein installed Shelley Fagel From L to R: Judy Menikoff, Immediate Past President of ORT ORT America. as Chair of America; Doreen Hermelin, National President of ORT America; the Executive Committee, and Steve Schlosser, Convention co-Chair and ORT America Both Mrs. Menikoff and Mr. Cohen were speaking of her vigorous board member. honored for possessing the vision and energy, numerous trips tenacity to follow through on completing the around the world to visit ORT Hermelin said, “I hope I can merger of AO and WAO, a goal many of their programs on missions, and follow your (Judy and respective predecessors hoped to accomplish her tremendous lifelong Joe’s) leadership and unite but did not have the foresight to make commitment to ORT as a this new organization. happen. leader. Mrs. Fagel serves on Without Judy and Joe as the World ORT Board of mentors, I could not have Roger Browdy called Mr. Cohen a “great Directors and is co-chair of reached this day, and I look statesmen and leader.” the International Next forward to working with Generation initiative. Shelley Fagel, who will be Pepi Dunay summarized Judy’s many Past WAO President Sandy an incredible Chair of the accomplishments, most notably her rise in the Justice Richard Goldstone Isenstein, who installed the new Executive Committee.” leadership of WAO, and praised her for, was introduced to install ORT America officers. “setting a fine example with her dynamic Doreen Hermelin (Detroit, “Theodore Herzl said, ‘If you leadership and limitless energy.” MI) as the first elected will it, it is no dream,’” said Mrs. Hermelin. “I president of ORT America. call upon you to will it and it will be no dream.” ORT America Executive Director Hope Kessler took the unprecedented step of “Doreen’s commitment to public service is With all of her children in attendance, her son, remarking on the importance of the Inaugural demonstrated by her impressive biography,” Brian Hermelin, humorously and lovingly Convention and thanked Mrs. Menikoff and said Justice Goldstone, who succeeded the paid tribute to his mother as a ‘superpower.’ Mr. Cohen for their extraordinary leadership late David Hermelin, husband of Doreen, as “Our father lead the band, our mother played on behalf of the entire staff of ORT America. president of World ORT. Justice Goldstone the music.” She also presented them each with a gift. summarized the Hermelins’ commitment to ORT, Jewish life and their family. He spoke of Gifts were presented to Mrs. Menikoff, Mr. WAO Past President Sandy Isenstein the importance of World ORT’s commitment Cohen and Mrs. Hermelin by World ORT (Highland Park, IL) discharged the Boards of to Jewish principles. Director General Robert Singer. Directors of both AO and WAO, as well as Judy and Joe, and the ORT America Interim “Doreen, you come with outstanding Master of Ceremonies Steve Schlosser Governing Committee. credentials …. It amazes your friends that you ended the evening by calling for a standing are able to do so much without compromising ovation for Convention Chair Sara R. Trub “You should feel great for achieving this one your devotion to your five children and 16 (Virginia Beach, VA) who, he said, “was the amazing transformation. You accomplished a grandchildren,” he continued. most tireless ORT volunteer I have seen in my task many people tried to do and made entire 30 years of working with ORT.” history in the process,” said Mrs. Isenstein. In accepting her charge as president, Mrs.

ORT America | Page 4 ORT America Outstanding Leadership Awards Presented at Convention

At the Opening Plenary of the ORT America Inaugural Convention, the newly created Outstanding Leadership Awards were presented to six individuals who demonstrated dedication, insight and outstanding leadership within the organization. Criteria for this honor included outstanding and sustained service to ORT; leadership positions held in ORT; and mentoring and developing new leaders. The awards were presented to:

Sharon Eisenshtadt (Bloomfield Hills, MI) is a member of the ORT America Michigan Region Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the 2007 Rub-a-Dub annual fundraising event. Sharon also served as Co-Chair of the 2007 Brunch at the Townsend, which set new standards for fundraising. She continues to be involved with the Townsend Brunch as Fundraising Chair.

Sandie Ivers (Lakewood Ranch, FL) has ORT America Outstanding Leadership Award Recipients (from Left): Sharon Eisenshtadt, Sandie Ivers, Bill Klineman, Michael Perlmuter, Lynn Reiner and Maryon Weill. been an ORT member for more than 30 years. She was first introduced to ORT in Toledo, OH where she served in various roles, including Chairman of the Executive Cleveland AO chapter had a record-setting Maryon Weill (Woodmere, NY) has been Committee. She was awarded the ORT year for itself and for the organization, an ORT supporter for nearly 50 years. In National Education Award. Since moving breaking all fundraising records and 1961, she joined the Cedarhurst to Florida in 1986, Sandie has been reaching new populations of donors and Woodmere Chapter and went on to instrumental in the growth and expansion leaders. Michael has been instrumental in become president of the Chapter. Under of the ORT community on Florida’s west bringing together the two Cleveland ORT her leadership, membership grew to 400. coast. groups in a productive and inclusive Following her term as president, she joined manner, resulting in a relatively seamless the Long Island Region Executive Bill Klineman (Atlanta, GA) served as transition of leadership. Committee and rose through the ranks to President of the Atlanta Chapter of become President of the South Nassau American ORT for two years and currently Lynn Reiner (Highland Park, IL) is the Long Island Region, where membership is Co-President, along with Susan current Metropolitan Chicago Region rose to over 10,000. With the Gerstel, of the Atlanta Region of ORT President. Lynn has shown that she is truly establishment of the new Long Island America. He has been involved with ORT an outstanding leader by creating not only Region in 1994, Maryon became an ADC for many years and has led ORT’s a successful region (over a million dollars for the area. She continues to actively fundraising efforts in Atlanta. raised!) but a team that enjoys working serve on the Long Island Region Board of together for a common goal. She has Directors. Over the years, Maryon has Michael Perlmuter (Cleveland, OH) has inspired new leaders by starting a Young discovered, encouraged and developed been involved with ORT for 20 years. He Leadership Suburban group and is board members, cultivating and mentoring served as President of the Cleveland constantly bringing in new faces to the new leadership. Chapter of American ORT and, in the organization. Lynn is always thinking about transition to ORT America, serves as the future and under her leadership their President. Under his leadership the local ORT website was created.

ORT America | Page 5 Convention Photos

Trub Doreen sill.jpg

Upper left picture: L to R: Aaron Trub, Convention Chair Sara R. Trub, and ORT America President Doreen Hermelin are presented with their 1880 Society medals by ORT America Life Trustee Robert Sill.

From L to R: Convention co-Chairs Lynn Leeb and Steven Schlosser, Convention Chair Sara R. Trub and L to R: Charles and Alicia Kurland Convention co-chairs Marcy Wiseberg and Ray Sherbill. are thanked by ORT America Life Trustee Robert Sill for their 1880 Society membership renewal.

Past American ORT President Joe Cohen and Phyllis Cohen are thanked by ORT America Life ORT America Board Member John Tikkun Olam Awardee U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz Trustee Robert Sill for their 1880 Benator is thanked by ORT America and her fellow Floridians and ORT America supporters. Society membership renewal. Life Trustee Robert Sill for his 1880 Society membership renewal.

ORT America Life Trustee Robert Sill ORT America Past President Judy ORT America Life Trustee Robert L to R: Marvin Fagel and ORT thanks ORT America Secretary/ Menikoff and ORT America Board Sill presents Natalie Katz with her America Executive Committee Chair Associate Treasurer Grace Mendelson Member Peter Menikoff are 1880 Society medal. Shelley Fagel are thanked by ORT for renewal of her 1880 Society thanked by ORT America Life America Life Trustee Robert Sill for membership. Trustee Robert Sill for their 1880 their 1880 Society membership Society membership renewal. renewal.

ORT America | Page 6 ORT America Past President Judy Menikoff is presented with the Studio City N. Hollywood Chapter’s assignment completion check by Chapter President Claire Freeman.

Metropolitan Chicago members present their assignment completion check. From L to R: ORT America President Doreen Hermelin, Shelly Dreifuss, ORT America Executive Committee Chair Shelley Fagel, Metropolitan Chicago Region President Mindy Gordon, Lynn Reiner and ORT America Past President Judy Menikoff.

Robin DiSabatino presents the Sara Mana Evening Chapter’s assignment completion check to ORT America Past President Judy Menikoff.

Greater Sarasota Area Council President Kim Sheintal presents her chapter’s assignment completion check to ORT America Past President L to R: ORT America Treasurer Herbert Ackerman and Caryl Ackerman Judy Menikoff. are thanked by ORT America Life Trustee Robert Sill for their 1880 Society membership renewal.

Natalie Mangini presents the South County ORT Chapter’s assignment completion check to ORT America Past President Judy Past World ORT President Justice Menikoff. Richard Goldstone and ORT America President Doreen Hermelin at the Judi Lieberman presents the Palm installation dinner. Springs Coachella Valley Chapter’s Shirley Sokolsky is thanked by assignment completion check to ORT ORT America Life Trustee Robert America Past President Judy Sill for her 1880 Society Menikoff. membership renewal.

ORT America | Page 7 de Gunzbourg Society Luncheon Golden Circle

Past American ORT President Joe - Golden Circle Cohen speaks at members L to R: the de Gunzbourg Lynda Rosenbaum, Society luncheon Lorraine Epstein and Lois Dermer

Golden Circle members at ORT America Board the major gifts reception. Member Roger From L to R: Past WAO Browdy and Allen President Ruth Eisenberg Miller at the de Moskowitz, Kay Freeman, Gunzbourg Society Past WAO President Reese luncheon Feldman, Janet Berman Next Generation Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration

Outgoing Associate Renowned singer Next Generation Debbie Friedman and Chair Marcy her band perform at Diamond at the the Yom Ha’atzmaut Opening Plenary Celebration

ORT America Life Trustee Robert L. Sill and Estelle Berguig, member of the Next Host Committee Chair Generation NYC Susan Clayman speaks Committee, at the at the Yom Ha’atzmaut Opening Plenary Celebration

ORT America | Page 8 ORT Shorts 300 ORT Students on March of the Living The independent committee’s decision was influenced by the success the ORT students have enjoyed in national and international competitions. Over 300 ORT students from Argentina, Czech Republic, the The school was recognized for its innovative approach to education and Baltic Republics, Belarus, the use of the “project method” by which students achieve in-depth Moldova, Russia and Ukraine knowledge of subjects through multi-disciplinary projects. – the largest single group on the march – congregated in World ORT Deputy President Dr. Jean de Gunzburg – a direct Poland for the annual March descendant of Baron Horace de Gunzburg, who co-founded ORT in of the Living, the Yom St. Petersburg 127 years ago – said he was delighted by the school’s HaShoah commemoration by success. Jewish teenagers. Dr. de Gunzburg, whose ORT America recently ORT students at Auschwitz family is a major supporter completed a commitment to of the school, said: “This is the Regeneration project in the former Soviet Union, a project to absolutely fantastic. It reconnect Jews with their Jewish heritage and provide computer labs shows the quality of work and equipment to schools throughout the region. that ORT does. It’s a wonderful recognition of all President’s Prize for ORT St. Petersburg the effort that ORT has put into its education network since it returned to Russia A class at ORT de Gunzburg, St. The President’s Prize, Russia’s highest award for innovation and in 1992.” excellence in education, was presented to the ORT de Gunzburg Petersburg. School in St. Petersburg.

Seated in the Front Row (L to R): Ari Rosner, Young The ORT America Staff Leadership Coordinator; Victoria Mitchell, Development Administration Manager; Esther Merkin, New Jersey Regional Director; Tanea Hammond, Associate Director of Leadership Development and Outreach; Lauren Grochmal, Advancement Assistant. Standing are (L to R): Sarina Roffé, National Communications Director; Loren Krongold, Florida Regional Director; Rachel Lobovsky, Director of Outreach and Leadership Development; Stephanie Pritzker, Midwest Regional Director; Susan Lips, Southeast Regional Director; Lorraine Braun, Director of Major Gifts; Janice Stolar, Chief Advancement Officer; Gail Wahle, Event Consultant; Phyllis Friedman; Western States Regional Director; Esther Schaeffer, Greater Washington Regional Director; Bonnie Hirsch, Communications Assistant; Sheila Kavanagh, Meetings Coordinator; Annette Israel, Florida Associate Regional Director; Jennifer Callans, Michigan Regional Development Associate; Tanya Kent-James, Associate Director of Operations Administration; Michelle Passon, Michigan Regional Director; Roni Wallace, Cleveland Regional director. Standing in back (L to R): Jeremy Chernikoff, Assistant Director of Communications; Herb Kaplan, Director of Annual Giving; Larry Ludwig, Director of Management Information Systems; Michael Burlingame, Special Events Manager.

ORT America | Page 9 Breakfast with ORT Students Outlines New Programs in Israel

“It is my dream that we can continue to enable ORT to grow and evolve,” said ORT America National Executive Director Hope Kessler at a breakfast with ORT students from around the world. She noted the incredible time span of ORT’s worldwide efforts. An organization that began training tailors and carpenters has added myriad courses to its curriculum, including the recent additions of software writing and biotechnology.

Sonia Gomes de Mesquita, head of World ORT’s International Liaison Department, spoke about ORT’s new initiatives in Israel, including the much- heralded Science Journey program, which is providing students with a journey towards educational excellence through new computer, electronic, media and cinema, information technology and From L to R: ORT student Rachel Riska, chaperone Galina Chkadua, ORT student Leat Cohen- robotics labs in needy schools never Salmon, ORT America National President Doreen Hermelin, ORT student Misha Uretcky, before helped by ORT. Books, clothing Immediate Past President of ORT America Judy Menikoff, ORT student Ivan Savchenko, ORT and extra teaching hours are just a few of America Executive Committee Chair Shelley Fagel and ORT student Qanshaw Avgana. the necessities that ORT is providing at each of the schools, most of which are located in areas with a 60 percent unemployment rate. Educational program under the auspices Leat Cohen-Salmon, an IDF soldier who Science Journey ensures that Israel’s of the Holocaust museums in Israel, as is assigned to Kadurie College as an future workforce have the skills and well as with the Ethiopian National Project. instructor, described how several of her knowledge to become international Another project discussed was “Tzafonah students have received scholarships from leaders in science and technology and (North)” - a long-term plan to raise the ORT. Ivan Savchenko, a 12th grader from maintain Israel’s reputation in those fields. economic situations of communities in Eastern Russia, said he attends Kadurie Due to the critical importance of this northern Israel. because he wanted to attend an excellent program, World ORT has received school where he could major in physics commitments from various sources that all Students from the Kadurie Youth Village, and computers. Qanshaw Avgana, a funds raised by World ORT for Science where new ORT computer labs have been Carcasian student, told how he and his Journey will be matched dollar for dollar. installed, gave the breakfast attendees a classmates are taught to respect each personal look at Science Journey. The other’s cultures and to treat each other as ORT is also doing a number of projects in school is a microcosm of Israeli society equals. conjunction with the Technion, Weizmann with Jewish, Arab, Druze, Bedouin, Institute and Bar Ilan University. ORT will Carcasian and Ethiopian students. also be developing a Holocaust Memorial

See Science Journey DVD Enclosed

ORT America | Page 10 Tikkun Olam Award Presented To U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Day Two’s lunch at the ORT America Inaugural Convention began on a high note with the presentation of ORT America’s highest honor, the Tikkun Olam Award, to U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), the first Jewish woman ever elected from Florida to serve in the House of Representatives.

The Tikkun Olam Award is presented annually to an individual who is committed to strengthening the Jewish Community and repairing the world through good deeds. Representative Wasserman Schultz received this award for her commitment to education and the Jewish community and for establishing May as national Jewish Heritage Month.

She is the first recipient of this prestigious honor since American ORT and Women’s American ORT merged.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor for me. When we think of Tikkun Olam, and repairing the world, each of us is asked to find our own meaningful way to ORT America Executive Committee Chair Shelley Fagel (r) and make a difference,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “The Tikkun Olam Award recipient U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. sense of our Jewish community and our values was on education and on Tikkun Olam. That’s why I am so her continued passion and dedication on behalf of her excited about all the possibilities of this merger. constituents. Touching lives around the world is what impresses me about ORT.” After lunch, participants were treated to ORT America’s own “American Idol” with a performance by two ORT As a young mother, the Representative charmed the students The audience was simply blown away by audience with her vivaciousness, warmth and Misha Urectky, a 16 year-old ORT student from Kazan, genuineness as she related how she easily balances whose spellbinding singing of Elton John’s “Can You work and family with her responsibilities to her Feel the Love” wowed everyone. Misha received a constituents and the American people. Her political skills standing ovation and the dais held up placards with a 10 and abilities so quickly impressed House leaders that written across them to express their elation. Leat she was appointed to the revered House Appropriations Cohen-Salmon, moved participants with her emotional, Committee. heartfelt song, “Hasheket Shenishar” (The Calm that Remains). “ORT’s work is truly in the spirit of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world,” she said. “What impresses me so about an ORT education is that it goes far beyond giving people marketable job skills. It teaches students the importance of their Jewish heritage while promoting the uniqueness of varying cultures and backgrounds.”

Representative Wasserman Schultz represents the best of values in her advocacy of the ORT mission. She is a magnificent role model to the ORT America family for Misha Urectky Leat Cohen-Salmon

ORT America | Page 11 ORT Students Around the World Share Their Stories

Convention attendees learned firsthand from guidance accorded students in students and graduates about the new and my program, I would not have exciting programs taking place in Latin been able to contemplate a future America, the FSU and the United States where career in film. ORT has not only ORT is reaching out to Jewish communities guaranteed me a promising, and helping young adults start over again. bright future, but my very life.”

Presiding over the workshop panel was Taffy Audience members were treated Stern (Valley Village, CA). Sitting on the dais to a 5-minute DVD that Mishael were Convention Co-Chair Marcy Wiseberg wrote, shot and produced at the (Palm Beach Gardens, FL); Session Co-Chair, ORT lab in Mexico City. The film Marcia Friedman (Gahanna, OH); Mishael vividly describes the opportunities Joshua Solodkin Posternak (Mexico); being offered at the Digital Media Daniel Ephraim (United States); Misha Training Center. It was Bramson ORT Student Daniel Ephraim takes questions Urectky (ORT Mishpahteinu, Kazan); Galina enthusiastically received, with regarding his life as an ORT student. Chkadua (an English teacher and chaperone audience members promising to to Misha Uretcky); Celeste Angus (Director, work harder to raise funds for ORT Mexico. various waves of immigration. Daniel Ephraim, Washington DC Office of ORT International a student in computer information systems at Cooperation). The Workshop next turned its focus to the Bramson ORT College in Forest Hills, Queens, Former Soviet Union, with 16-year old Misha related his own interesting journey. Mishael Solodkin is studying to be a Urectky and his teacher and chaperone, filmmaker and is enrolled in a two-year Galina Chkadua speaking. Misha attends Daniel and his family immigrated to the US Associate Degree program in Media ORT Mishpachteinu, which means “Our Family” from Iran in 2003. He left without finishing Production at the new ORT Mexico Digital in Hebrew. high school and with little knowledge of Media Training Center within the Colegio English. His father studied at an ORT school in Israelita School in Mexico City. The Media Misha’s school has nurtured his phenomenal Iran. Learning about Bramson from a family Center provides short-term vocational courses vocal genius and he has won first prize in the member who had graduated from the school, in areas such as radio and television production “All Russia Singing Contest.” In addition to he enrolled in the college, received his GED, and video editing as well as a two-year degree mastering computer skills, he is learning about learned English, and last year graduated with in Media. Jewish traditions and Hebrew. an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems. His mother joined him and received When Mishael was just a small child, his father “My parents are happy that I go to such an a degree as a Medical Assistant. deserted the family, leaving them penniless. excellent school. I am receiving a modern His mother went to work to support her three education and hope to pursue a good future Taking advantage of Bramson’s work study children and Mishael helped out by seeking career in show business,” Misha stated. “Thank program, Daniel secured a part-time internship employment in a bakery and as a barman at you, ORT, for your help and sponsorship.” with a graphic design firm, which allowed him Starbucks. Sadly, his mother developed to use his skills while he continued with his leukemia and Mishael slipped into drug Galina Chkadua, an ORT teacher for the past education. After taking a business course, his addiction. Fortunately, he has since overcome six years explained how deeply she teachers helped him start his own business as his drug dependency and his mother received appreciates her school’s warmth and a freelance web/graphic designer. a successful bone marrow transplant and is friendliness and its wide-ranging curriculum. now doing well. Dabbling in film, two years ago Following his graduation with honors, Bramson he met people from the ORT Mexico Digital “I am so grateful to be teaching kids from good ORT hired Daniel to develop their websites, Media Center who quickly recognized his visual backgrounds at a school that maintains a high catalog and a promotional CD. gifts and offered him a scholarship. The standard of education,” Galina told the Center allows Mishael to work part-time to pay audience. “The teacher training I constantly “I owe Bramson ORT a debt of gratitude. for the remaining cost of his tuition. receive makes it possible for me to be a better Thanks to my teachers’ help and educator and, therefore, motivate my students encouragement, I established my own graphic “ORT gave me the opportunity to grow as an to achieve scholastic excellence.” design business. In addition, I am pursuing my artist and to develop my passion for education at the New York Institute of filmmaking,” said Mishael. “Without the state- The ORT US Operations Program has played a Technology,” Daniel proudly told participants. of-the art equipment and expert training and very historical role in our country, supporting

ORT America | Page 12 Major Gift/Diamond Ladder Reception Honors Gifts and Welcomes New Pledges

ORT America’s efforts to increase the number of Diamond Ladders and major gifts to the organization met fantastic success at the ORT America Inaugural Convention.

The Diamond Ladder spans eight levels of giving, all characterized by an annual gift of $5,000 or above for a minimum of three years. When the Diamond Ladder campaign originally launched, chairs Dee Bass (Highland Park, IL) and Ronna Heftman (Northbrook, IL) set a goal of 125 founding members.

Adding to the excitement of the Convention, 19 new Diamond Ladders and nine renewals were acknowledged at the reception, bringing the total number of current Diamond Ladders to 127, surpassing the original goal.

Above L to R: ORT America Past President Judy Menikoff, ORT America Board Member Michael Broida and Elaine Lasnik-Broida at the Major Gifts/Diamond Ladder Reception.

Left – ORT America Board Members Marcy Wiseberg and Terry Azose at the Major Gifts/Diamond Ladder Reception.

Below – Linda Magalnick, (L) and ORT America Vice President Morris Gocial (R) present ORT America Outstanding Leadership Awardee Nicole Kovacs with her Diamond Ladder pendant.

During a special Convention reception for Major Gift/Diamond Ladders at the Organization of American States (OAS), Diamond Ladder and Major Gift contributors were recognized for their commitment to the organization’s mission of supporting ORT programs worldwide.

The event was chaired by ORT America Vice President Morris Gocial (Elkins Park, PA), ORT America Board Member Gail Lanznar (Wilmette, IL), Linda Magalnick (Topsfield, MA) and Sy Zuckerman (Rockville, MD).

ORT America Executive Committee Chair Shelley Fagel (Naperville, IL) remarked, “It was wonderful to be in such an inspiring venue with so many like-minded supporters who look to the future and understand the importance of ORT around the world.”

Following the success of the reception, the following day’s Campaign Plenary saw the establishment of three additional Diamond Ladders and three Diamond Ladder renewals.

ORT America | Page 13 Power Surge – The Israel/US Technology Connection

How has the United States benefited from technology developed in Israel? This was the question addressed by a panel of technology experts moderated by ORT America board member and Convention co-Chair Steve Schlosser (Washington, DC).

Panel members included Tuvia Barak, adviser to Israeli companies looking to bring their technology to the United States; Adam Cohn, CEO of Xvionics; Avi Dorot, President of Fire Burglary Alarms, a security company; and Amit Shafrir, Amit Shafrir, President of AOL Premium Services, discusses the Israel/U.S. technology connection. Seated President of AOL Premium Services. to his left are ORT America Board Member Steve Schlosser and Tuvia Barak, advisor to Israeli companies.

Cohn noted that Israel is filled with develop a generation of leadership to He noted that young Israeli entrepreneurs engineers from the Former Soviet Union bridge the cultural barriers.” with good ideas are setting up hundreds who have flooded Israel. He said that while of companies in basements and garages. Israelis are terrific at generating new An ORT Syngalowski graduate, Amit “They have push and drive, passion and products, they are not as good at Shafrir, said there was lots of rivalry in conviction, and are willing to work for marketing them. It’s “not as important in computer technology between schools. “It nothing to try and make it with innovative Israeli culture.” is no longer the dream of Israeli parents ideas.” for their sons and daughters to be doctors “What you find is a lot of really good and lawyers. It is an Israeli parent’s dream Israel has more PhDs per capita than technology has a hard time getting into that their children be high tech anywhere in the world and the result is the United States,” said Cohn. “We need to entrepreneurs.” innovative ideas and technology.

Eye to the Future – The Coexistence of Jews and Muslims

A breakout session on the idea of Jews being under non-Muslim rule is humiliating and Muslims living together and coexisting for the average Muslim. During the years provided the forum for realistic discussion of Muslim domination, Jews lived in of the issues Israel faces on a daily basis. Muslim countries as dhimmi, a protected Chaired by Ray Sherbill (Potomac, MD), people without the same civil rights and the session posed a series of philosophical equality as Muslims, but with the self- issues that threaten coexistence in the autonomy to practice their religion freely. Middle East. “Three hundred years ago the three most Dr. Hillel Fradkin, Director of the Center important empires in the world were on Islam, Democracy and the Future of the Muslim and it had been that way for a Muslim World at the Hudson Institute, thousand years. Contemporary Muslims provided an overview of Muslim thought are aware of that history and are grieved Hillel Fradkin, Director of the Center on Islam, and how it affects Jewish-Muslim relations. by it.” Democracy and the Future of the Muslim World Dr. Fradkin is considered one of the at the Hudson Institute, looks at the future nation’s foremost authorities on geo- Fradkin made other significant coexistence between Jews and Muslims. political, social, economic, and religious observations based on his research for his developments involving Islam. book Current Trends in Islamist Ideology. He said that most Muslims believe that Muslims make no distinction between anti- “The real problem is for Muslims to be “Jews are the most powerful group in the Zionism and anti-Semitism and that under non-Muslim rule,” he said, explaining world” and that the goal of Jews is the today’s anti-Semitism among non-Muslims that after so many centuries of Muslim enslavement of Muslims for the purpose of is as a result of Muslim anti-Semitism. domination around the world, the idea of subjugation. He said that in his opinion,

ORT America | Page 14 News Professionals Tackle the Issue of Media Bias

Standing in the back was the only option for some Convention-goers in the packed room for the session entitled Fair and Balanced: Is the Media the Problem or the Solution?

Convention co-Chair Lynn Leeb moderated the session as Janine Zacharia, Bloomberg correspondent, and Eric Rozenman, Washington director of CAMERA, a news media monitoring organization, addressed the audience about media bias—particularly as it pertains to coverage of Israel.

Ms. Zacharia spoke first and noted the difficulty in covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She also talked about the high level of emotion that often emanates from American Jews when reading Israel-related news.

She urged audience members to educate themselves by turning to different media outlets about the same subject. She recommended Eric Rozenman, Washington director of CAMERA, discusses media bias. At right is Convention co-Chair Lynn Leeb. consulting both Israeli and Arabic news sources to get the most complete picture.

Ms. Zacharia also advised using a polite tone when contacting Echoing Ms. Zacharia’s sentiment, Mr. Rozenman implored the reporters about their stories. She relayed examples of many of her audience not to presume bad motivation when they read a story they readers who began letters by calling her derogatory names instead of deem unfavorable. A cause of the bias, explained Mr. Rozenman, is making a point with their argument. Reporters, she explained, are far the media’s application of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the David more likely to respond to a well-written challenge. vs. Goliath account from the Bible, with the Palestinians being compared to the smaller, nearly-defenseless David. Mr. Rozenman placed the problem of media bias on the underlying assumptions of reporters and editors. Geographically, he said, the To rectify the problem, he explained, media organizations can cover Israeli-Palestinian conflict is extremely tight-knit and one can easily something as a news story, as opposed to something that best serves misunderstand how two sides so close can tell opposite stories. their readers.

National Mentoring Program

Three members of the 18-month ORT America National Mentoring Program completed the program and were recognized at the ORT America Inaugural Convention.

A Leadership Development initiative, the program pairs national board members, who act as mentors to local leaders, to train them for future leadership roles at the national level. While the protégées (mentees) receive coaching to enhance their communication and leadership skills, the mentors are better able to understand issues National Mentoring Program members with ORT America Leadership. From L to R: Susan Gerstel, Atlanta Region; Kim Sheintal, Greater at the grassroots level of the organization. Sarasota Area Council; Judy Menikoff, Past President, ORT America; Joe Cohen, Past President, American ORT; Doreen Hermelin, National The class included Susan Gerstel, Atlanta Region (Atlanta, GA); President, ORT America; Susan Schwartz, Northern Virginia Area Kim Sheintal, Greater Sarasota Area Council (Sarasota, FL); and Council and Shelley Fagel, ORT America Executive Committee Chair. Alice Kohn, Metropolitan Chicago Region (Chicago, IL). Serving as mentors were Dorene Berger, Norfolk Chapter (Virginia Beach, VA); Rhoda Gould, Atlanta Region; and Susan Schwartz, ORT America congratulates the Protégées and Mentors on Northern Virginia Area Council. The mentoring class was co- completing their 18-month tenure and wishes them all much chaired by Rhoda Gould (Alpharetta, GA) and Susan Schwartz success in their future leadership roles. (Fairfax, VA).

ORT America | Page 15 U.S. Senator Carl Levin Praises Doreen Hermelin

At the ORT America Inaugural Convention, newly elected ORT America Board Member Conrad Giles introduced U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), praising him for his 30 years of service to his constituents.

Senator Levin spoke of his longtime admiration of ORT and Mrs. Hermelin. “I know what ORT has meant to thousands of individuals,” he said. “You hit the jackpot when you persuaded Doreen Hermelin to be your president. You are making history here this weekend.”

Mrs. Hermelin thanked Senator Levin and praised the work of those who brought Women’s American ORT and American ORT together. “Thank you to the Board of American ORT and Women’s American ORT,” she said. “We could not be here without every one of you. You are the backbone of World ORT.”

The new ORT America President then charged the audience with a mission, encouraging them to “inspire more people to become part of ORT. From this grassroots organization, we can become a major force.” U.S. Senator Carl Levin delivers congratulatory remarks to ORT America President Doreen Hermelin.

Spring Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage 2007 PAID New York, NY INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Permit No. 5259 2Presidential Advisors Discuss Their Work 75 Maiden Lane 10th Floor 3 National President’s Message New York, NY 10038 4 Installation Dinner 5 Outstanding Leadership awards 6 – 8 Convention Photos 9 ORT Shorts 10 Breakfast With ORT Students 11 Tikkun Olam Award Presented 12 ORT Students Share Their Stories 13 Major Gift/Diamond Ladder Reception 14 Power Surge 14 Eye to the future 15 Tackling Media Bias

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