World ORT, the global Jewish education organization serving approximately 80,000 students across more than 30 countries, today announced the establishment of the Mikhail Libkin Memorial Award for ORT History and Jewish Heritage. The award honors the memory of Mikhail (Misha) Libkin, the National Director and alumnus of ORT Russia, whose sudden passing has left a profound loss across the
World ORT family.
Misha was a devoted champion of ORT’s mission and a passionate custodian of Jewish history and heritage. Throughout his career, he worked to make ORT’s story vivid and meaningful, connecting students and communities to the deeper roots of the organization and the wider tapestry of Jewish life. This award is established in that spirit.
“Misha believed that history was not something to be stored away. It was something to be shared, felt, and passed forward. This award invites students across our network to carry that belief into their own creative work,” said Dov Ben-Shimon, CEO, World ORT.
About the Award
The Mikhail Libkin Memorial Award invites students across the World ORT network to explore ORT’s global impact and the broader story of Jewish life, research key moments, people, and milestones in ORT and Jewish history, and bring them to life through compelling, original creative work.
The award is open to ORT students of all ages, individually or in small groups. Submissions may take any creative form, including documentary-style films, visual art, poetry, music, theatre, digital storytelling, podcasts, graphic novels, oral history interviews, and more. All entries will be evaluated on historical understanding, creativity and originality, communication and clarity, technical quality, and the depth of reflection they bring to ORT and Jewish heritage.
Submissions will open before Rosh Hashanah 5787 (September 2026). Winners will be announced around Chanukkah.
Endorsed by World ORT’s Executive Committee
The award has been formally endorsed by World ORT’s Executive Committee. Further details on the submission process, judging criteria, and how to enter will be shared with schools and network leaders in the coming months.
For more information about this award or other World ORT educational initiatives, please contact Sheryl Gold via email: [email protected]
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About World ORT
Founded in 1880, World ORT is one of the world’s most far reaching Jewish educational networks, serving 80,000 students and 200,000 beneficiaries annually across more than 30 countries on five continents, with headquarters in New York and offices in London and Israel. Learn more online at www.ort.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Alex Galbinski, World ORT
+44 (0) 20 7446 8502