Following the increase in military activity in the Middle East, World ORT remains in close and ongoing contact with our schools and educational leaders across Israel.

At the current time there has been no significant impact on students or teachers. Our schools and programs will continue to follow the Israeli government and civil advice on domestic safety precautions. All educational activities have been cancelled in Israel for the next two days.

Some boarding students from World ORT’s Kfar Silver Youth Village at Ashkelon have returned to their family homes for the weekend to minimize risk levels.

A small group of our Israeli students and teachers have been taking part in an international competition in the Czech Republic. While returning to Israel their plane was turned back due to the closure of Israeli airspace.

Accommodation for the group has been organized in Prague. World ORT Kadima Mada staff are providing full support including psychological assistance. Colleagues from the ORT-affiliated Lauder Schools of Prague are aware of the situation.

Security precautions at ORT schools worldwide will continue in line with local advice in each country.

We continue to pray for the safety of our students, teachers, friends and colleagues in Israel and across the Jewish Diaspora.

Shabbat Shalom.