World ORT has held its annual meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, convening senior professionals and key lay leaders from across its global network.
The gathering , between May 3 and 7, marked the organization’s first major convening as a unified global entity following the March 2026 merger of World ORT and ORT America and formally recognized a leadership transition. Michael Perlmuter, Chair of ORT America, and Robert Grey, Chair of World ORT, concluded their tenures, and Jon Levine was recognized as Board Chair of a unified World ORT.
The transition reflects years of deliberate planning and a shared commitment to positioning the organization for its next chapter.
Two Leaders, One Legacy
Michael Perlmuter and Robert Grey (pictured above with Dr. Louanne Smolin, Executive Committee Board member, World ORT; Simon Alberga, Vice-President and Secretary, World ORT; and Dov Ben-Shimon, Chief Executive Officer, World ORT) played defining roles in shaping ORT’s modern evolution, guiding the organization through periods of growth and complexity and, ultimately, toward unification.
Their leadership laid the groundwork for a more aligned global organization and ensured continuity during a critical period of change.
“Michael and Bob provided steady, principled leadership at a pivotal time for our organization,” said Dov Ben-Shimon, CEO of World ORT.
“Their governance helped make the merger of World ORT and ORT America both possible and successful. Because of their work, we are well positioned for what comes next.”
Jon Levine Assumes the Role of Board Chair
As Board Chair, Jon Levine will focus on governance, strategic alignment, and long-‑term stewardship as World ORT begins its first chapter as a unified global organization.
He will work in close partnership with Ben-‑Shimon as the organization advances its mission worldwide.
“World ORT enters this next chapter with a strong foundation, thanks to the leadership of Michael and Bob,” said Jon Levine, Board Chair of World ORT.
“I’m honored to take on this role and look forward to strengthening impact across the global network.”
The Work Continues
The merger that united World ORT and ORT America was driven by the communities the network serves. Each year, World ORT impacts the lives of 80,000 students and 200,000 beneficiaries across five continents, advancing access to high‑quality education rooted in shared Jewish and human values.
From classrooms to communities facing poverty, displacement, or limited educational access, World ORT connects the Jewish world and strengthens the future through educational excellence, leadership development, and innovative programming in robotics, STEM, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.
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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
[email protected]
+44 (0) 20 7446 8502