Ambassador Danny Danon, Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations, has praised ORT’s work at the organization’s major donors’ reception in New York.
Danon hailed ORT for “making a real difference” as a leading STEM education organization and compared it to Israel’s reputation as a start-up nation.
Ambassador Danon spoke of the engagement ORT students feel with technology and the benefit of the education they receive having an emphasis on Tikkun Olam and Jewish values.
He said: “ORT is bringing Jewish education and STEM education – you are closing the gap. I want to thank all of you for your contribution and your support because this is the best way to move forward.
“When I bring ambassadors to Israel they talk to me about agriculture, desalination, technology. That’s why what you’re doing in ORT worldwide is so important – we need the future engineers. Israel is a start-up nation but will not remain so without preparing the next generation.
“You are very involved through Kadima Mada in great projects in Israel. Today with innovation and technology Israel can support many developing countries. You are supporting STEM projects all around the world and in Israel. Thank you for your involvement – you are making a real difference.”
Ambassador Danon with Dario Werthein, Chair of World ORT’s Board of Trustees, and with Avi Ganon, World ORT Director General and CEO
Judy Menikoff, Deputy Chair of World ORT’s Board of Trustees, had introduced the ambassador and said: “We are very grateful to have an ally working in parallel with ORT to promote youth empowerment, to prioritize STEM education, to encourage more women and minorities to study science and technology, and, of course, to further Israel’s standing in the world.”
Dr Conrad Giles, World ORT President, said: “This is a moment of our getting together under one roof, but most importantly moving forward to fulfil our obligations as Jews responsible for one another.
“I want to thank each of you who are here – because you have signed on to this task – and urge you to continue your support, because without it we will not achieve; with it, the sky is the limit.
“The very existence of a vibrant ORT system is dependent on our ability to raise funds. The ability to fund us is central to our ability to continue to serve the youngsters across our network.
“It’s important for us to recognize that every dollar given to this enterprise is well utilized and ensures that we are doing our part to guarantee the best future of those who we serve.”
Dr Giles addresses the gathering
Howard Lanznar, chairman of ORT America’s Board of Directors, said: “The ORT Major Donor Reception was as meaningful as a family celebration, as ORT supporters from around the US and around the world gathered to share our common passion for education and the work ORT does every day to uplift students everywhere ORT operates.”
Avi Ganon, World ORT Director General and CEO, thanked ORT donors and leaders for their ongoing support and said: “ORT is celebrating its 140th anniversary next year. We are relying on your support in order to keep the heartbeat of education alive for another 140 years.”
