Avi Meir, Principal and General Director of Colegio Olamí ORT in Mexico City, has been announced as the 2025 recipient of the Robert Singer Award for Outstanding ORT Professionals.
The annual award recognizes ORT professionals around the world whose efforts and achievements advance beneficiaries locally and support the global ORT network.
Mr. Meir said: “I see this award as an inspiration to continue striving, learning, dreaming, and investing in those who hold the future in their hands – knowing that the impact of education grows as young people grow, and that the most important thing we can do is to provide them with the tools to truly thrive in life.
“It is not just a personal moment, but also a recognition of the collective efforts of our team, our partners, and our community, all of whom believe in creating meaningful educational opportunities and building a better future through learning, empowerment, and innovation.”
He became a Hebrew and Bible Teacher at Colegio Israelita de México (CIM) in 2007 and was a member of the committee that integrated CIM into the World ORT Network. He developed technical diploma programs for high school students in collaboration with ORT Mexico.
After being an emissary (Sheliach) at CIM, Mr. Meir became its Elementary Director. He then spent four years in the role of Middle School Principal, High School Principal, and Deputy General Director, becoming its General Director in 2014. In 2022, he played a key role in the merger of Colegio Hebreo Sefaradí and Colegio Israelita de México ORT (CIM-ORT).
Through this merger, Colegio Olamí ORT positioned itself as a leading educational institution in the Jewish community in Mexico, committed to academic excellence and the formation of critical and creative students.
Mr. Meir has undertaken special projects on behalf of the ORT network, including a humanitarian mission to ORT Cuba and student exchange programs throughout the ORT network to countries including Russia, Israel, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Robert Singer, former CEO and Chair of the Board of Trustees, World ORT; Chairman of both the Center for Jewish Impact and Alumot Or, and President of SASA Setton, for whom the award is named, said: “It is a true privilege to see this award presented to Avi Meir, an exceptional educator and visionary leader who has dedicated his career to shaping future generations through knowledge, values, and compassion.
“Avi exemplifies the essence of ORT’s mission by empowering students through high-quality education that combines academic excellence with a strong sense of Jewish identity and community responsibility.
“Under Avi’s professional leadership, Colegio Olamí ORT has created a model of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration. He has built an environment where every student is encouraged to learn, grow, and believe in their own abilities.”
Mr. Singer said that Mr. Meir’s “professionalism, creativity, and unwavering dedication” were a source of pride for the entire ORT network and a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of education.
“High-level Jewish education has always been, and continues to be, the cornerstone of strong and resilient communities, especially in challenging times. Avi’s remarkable work embodies this enduring truth and serves as an inspiration to educators and leaders across the Jewish world.”
Receiving the Robert Singer Award was of great personal and professional significance to Mr. Meir, who was born in Tel Aviv, Israel.
“The award is a reminder of the importance of the educational work we do every day – with students, teachers, and communities – and of the fact that every small effort can make a lasting impact,” he explained.
In 2023, Mr. Meir introduced a month-long program at Colegio Olamí ORT for 25 Israeli high school students who were evacuated from their communities near Gaza following the October 7 attacks. The program, for students aged 12 to 16, provided the teenagers with opportunities for learning and socializing, in both formal classes as well as extracurricular activities and trips.
That same year, he was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Ministry of Education in Mexico, through the Kinneret Institute, in recognition of his remarkable career and contributions to the field of education.
Mr. Meir has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a focus on Biblical History from Tel Aviv University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Derby University (Israel). He holds a second Master’s degree in Jewish Studies from the Hebrew University, Mexico.
Previous winners of the Robert Singer Award include Ariella Rosenberg, CEO of ORT SA in Johannesburg, Dr. Jorge Grünberg, Rector of the Universidad ORT Uruguay; Vladimir Kritsman, Principal of the Jewish school ORT “Pri Etz Haim” in Kyrgyzstan; and staff from ORT Ukraine.