Digital Skills Academy Empowers Young Minds with Skills, Confidence and Lasting Friendships

Days after meeting for the first time, laughter and song echoed through a lively karaoke party, as high school students from across Europe and Israel quickly bonded at the World ORT Digital Skills Academy (DSA) in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Over the course of two action-packed weeks, the Academy provided 25 students from 14 ORT schools in nine countries with a unique blend of technical learning, cultural enrichment and personal growth – all wrapped in a spirit of friendship and discovery.

A Warm Welcome and Fast Friendships

Students, supported by a team of madrichim, dived into ice-breaking games and settled into their new home in Sofia in the opening hours of this life-changing summer program.

The group quickly felt at ease with the support of a dedicated team of professional staff from World ORT and ORT Bulgaria who encouraged them to make the most of the experience ahead.

Then it was time to get hands-on: half the group explored digital photography with a professional photographer, while the others dived into video production with digital media experts.

Behind the Scenes of Global Creativity

Students experienced inspiring excursions in the Academy’s first week. A visit to Bulgaria’s renowned Nu Boyana Film Studios gave them rare access to working film sets where they filmed and took photographs amidst blockbuster backdrops. They also had the opportunity to visit Disney’s regional headquarters in Sofia, where they learned how departments such as legal, marketing, and creative teams collaborate on Disney, STAR, and National Geographic content.

Another highlight was the trip to NOVA TV, one of Bulgaria’s leading television networks. Students sat in on a live news broadcast, toured the studios, and met Bulgaria’s most popular weatherman. It was an eye-opening glimpse into media careers and the skills behind the screens.

Workshops, Reflection and Cultural Immersion

Students spent their days building skills through workshops in video editing, photography, podcasting and Photoshop. Each evening they reflected on the day’s highs and challenges, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness and growth.

 

ORT student Miglė, from Vilnius in Lithuania, said: “I have always wanted to be involved in cinema and after seeing everyone here work with such passion and creativity I realised that it is what I really want to do. I want to work with people who share the same passion and now I will do everything to continue working with confidence in video production.”

At the end of the first week the group explored Sofia’s rich Jewish heritage with a visit to the city’s historic synagogue. Shabbat offered a welcome pause. At a kosher restaurant close to the ORT No. 134 “Dimcho Debelianov” Jewish School, the group shared Kiddush and traditional food, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. A walking tour of Sofia’s landmarks, including the Square of Tolerance and the Roman ruins of Serdica, ended with group games and laughter at the National Theatre.

From Sofia to Kyustendil: A Journey of Discovery

For the Academy’s second week the group travelled to Kyustendil in south-western Bulgaria, in a picturesque setting near the Osogovo mountains. A trip to a nearby sequoia forest showcased the creative power of the natural world and provided stunning scenery for long-exposure activities.

The final days saw a flurry of collaboration and creativity. Students filmed five-minute short movies based on imaginative prompts such as “The Lost Key” and “Wrong Room”, edited their final photo collections, and prepared for the much-anticipated exhibition and talent show. A special celebration included traditional Bulgarian folk dancing, a disco, and birthday cake for one student.

Elizaveta, an ORT student from Moldova, said her experience at the Academy was overwhelmingly positive.

“I think the most valuable part of this program is the people who worked here and the people who came here. This event will stay with me forever and will remain in my heart as a warm memory.

“I would definitely recommend this program to other people interested in photography because through it, you can truly understand if you like photography, meet amazing people, visit incredible places, and just spend two weeks of your summer productively.”

On the Academy’s final day, students completed their projects under time pressure but with enthusiasm and teamwork. The photo exhibition was hung, videos were rendered, and skits were rehearsed. As the end approached, excitement gave way to nostalgia.

One last ceremony showcased the group’s best work to an audience of special guests, including Israel’s Ambassador to Bulgaria together with the Cultural and Scientific Attaché, plus the Mayor of Kyustendil. It closed a chapter filled with unforgettable experiences and friendships that will endure far beyond Bulgaria.

Leor Harel, World ORT Learning Development Manager, said: “It was inspiring to see students given the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and gain a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and thrive in media and the creative industries.

“This unique experience enables students to develop critical skills, step outside their comfort zones, and connect with like-minded peers from across the ORT Network.”

ORT Canada’s Greatest Soirée Delivers Unforgettable Night

With a wink to The Greatest Showman’s hopeful anthem, ORT Canada’s 41st Annual Ted Wise Gala for Jewish Education — dubbed The Greatest Soirée this year — brought nearly 300 guests together for an evening of memorable performances, real-life casino games, and gourmet food.

Inspired by the hit film, the event raised vital funds to support mental health programming, campus security upgrades, and STEM education at World ORT’s Kfar Silver Youth Village, located in southern Israel just minutes from the Gaza border.

Offering tailored programs like coding bootcamps and agricultural training, Kfar Silver is also a haven for refugees and at-risk Israeli youth.

The Greatest Soirée,  held in Montreal on March 27, was co-chaired by Jill Chandler Climan and Greg Wise, who remarked: “It’s a privilege to know I’m making a real difference for young people in Israel and all over the world.”

The evening’s success was powered by the generosity of numerous supporters, led by founding sponsor PearTree Canada. Joining them as lead sponsors were Jonathan Goodman and Family, along with the Geraldine and Jeff Hart Foundation.

“Kfar Silver is a tightly knit community where students build confidence and skills for life,” said Jacob Kincler, National President of ORT Canada.

“Our Kfar Silver school is a shining example of what the World ORT network of schools is really all about. We turn adversity into opportunity.”

It’s not too late to help these young people chase their own dreams. To donate, please visit ortcanada.com.

The World ORT LEAD Program: ‘Investing in our Future’

Before becoming Learning Development Manager for World ORT, I worked as Head of Key Stage at a Jewish secondary school, and as Deputy Headteacher at another Jewish school that caters for students with mild to moderate needs.

I have developed as a leader throughout my career. Despite this, I have had very little formal leadership training. My inspiration and on-the-job training came from observing leaders I admired as role models, incorporating colleague feedback as well as research from publications and blogs.

I was excited, therefore, to organize and observe this year’s LEAD Program, a four-day seminar facilitated by World ORT and leadership experts Christine Young and Graham Dring at Scuole della Comunità Ebraica in Milan. The 22 educators taking part travelled from 14 ORT schools across our international network to be involved.

The LEAD (Leadership in Education, Administration and Development) Program, which is supported by Dr. Louanne Smolin and David Eaton, along with the HH Wingate Foundation, aims to prepare the organization’s future educational leaders and senior managers by providing training in how to manage colleagues and to prioritize their own professional development journeys.  

It was inspiring to hear Graham and Christine’s flow of expert guidance, tips, and nuggets of wisdom. Leadership was described as a function of ‘knowing oneself’, with participants exploring emotional and spiritual intelligence, and being advised to ‘eat that frog’ – which is an approach advocating the immediate tackling of one’s most challenging tasks. Participants were continually challenged to share their opinions and experience in small groups, and to contribute their ideas and beliefs to the wider circle.

The LEAD course promotes coaching as a professional skill

School leaders are often teachers who have demonstrated outstanding practice. While they might not have any formal leadership training, they could be expected to suddenly demonstrate new skills and qualities, often in a position where they need to lead colleagues with whom they previously shared equal footing.

The seminar covered tools and concepts essential for any school leader. Participants learned about styles of leadership, and the benefits of utilizing different methods depending on context or personalities involved. They also completed a test in order to understand motivation profiles, and the need to implement different styles depending on the individual’s motivation ‘type’.

We discovered that individuals with a ‘spirit’ profile, for example, thrive on autonomy and empowerment. As leaders, our role is to understand what drives our colleagues and to adopt a style that enables them to perform to their highest potential.

We analyzed high-performing teams, looking at the stages of their development, and at how to grow and maintain trust within a team. I found the guidance on delegation especially insightful, particularly the importance of delegating directly to the individual who will be carrying out the task.

LEAD delegates work together to share knowledge and expertise

For me, the program highlight was witnessing the facilitated coaching sessions. Christine and Graham provided sharp insights into the how-tos of coaching, modelling the process at the beginning, and providing individualized feedback. I was truly jealous. Coaching is a valuable leadership tool, and the opportunity to learn and practice it in a risk-free environment is one I would have appreciated earlier in my career.

Delegates were excited by the new learning and approaches, and there was an appreciation of the relationships fostered, which will form the support network for an invigorated leadership journey.

Participants learned about each other’s settings and exchanged challenges, solutions, and ideas. It was inspiring to see professional connections and genuine friendships formed in such short a time, fueled by a joint vision and a renewed understanding of what it means to teach and lead in an ORT school.

The LEAD Program recognizes that the delegates are respected professionals and helps them to become even better. The benefit of them joining the program is felt by their students and the stakeholders of our schools.

Good leaders foster and retain motivated and talented teachers. This creates excellence in our schools, which is the best investment we can make towards our future.

Leor Harel is Learning Development Manager at World ORT

ORT Day 2025: Celebrating Our Network – and Jewish Pride

ORT Day, the annual global celebration of our network, took place with students participating from countries including Bulgaria, Lithuania, Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Georgia and Israel.

The event unites students, teachers, alumni and friends of ORT to celebrate our mission, which is to prepare people and communities all over the world for meaningful, self-sufficient futures.

Welcoming attendees to the online session, Daniel Tysman, World ORT’s Head of Education, said: “ORT Day is an annual event where we’re celebrating almost 150 years of education and training all over the world.

“This is an important celebration of being part of ORT but at the same time we are all very much aware that these are very difficult times to be part of the Jewish community, to be living in the Jewish world.”

The students heard from keynote speaker Spencer Solomon, Director of Marketing of Lost Tribe, an organization aiming to build a stronger Jewish future. He delivered a compelling talk about celebrating Jewish identity and Israeli culture in the digital space. It included advice on how to produce good content, the power of analytics in brand growth, working with content creators and influencers and concerns relating to posting online.

Spencer Solomon’s Lost Tribe session

Lost Tribe has 81,800 followers on Instagram and 123,400 followers on TikTok and Spencer told the session: “Lost Tribe is the largest online Jewish teen community in the world on social media. [It] leverages the power of new media platforms to cultivate Jewish life, spread knowledge and strengthen Israel-Diaspora bonds, making connections around the world to Israel and connecting and empowering the next generation to lead vibrant Jewish lives and overcome antisemitism with Jewish pride, identity, and joy.

“I think [Lost Tribe and ORT’s] missions are very closely aligned, so it’s awesome to be speaking with all of you today as I know you have a deep and profound understanding of the importance of a mission like this, which is really special.”

Following his talk, students tested their knowledge of the network at the annual ORT Day Quiz, for which they had previously received an information pack. The students answered questions about the foundation of the organization and its former and current programs. Liepa from ORT Sholom Aleichem Jewish Gymnasium in Lithuania won, collecting a $150 prize for herself and her school.

Students taking part in the ORT Day quiz

Jim Lodge, World ORT CEO, said: “I would like not only to congratulate you personally but to give applause to all of you. I am so impressed by both the depth on this program but also its international span, so it’s been a great pleasure being here. I want [to say] mazeltov to you all for what you are doing at our ORT schools, not only today, but daily throughout the world.”

All ORT network students were challenged to celebrate Jewish identity through social media: to create an engaging Instagram Reel or TikTok that is up to one minute long on any Jewish-related theme in their own style before April 16.

To enter, students need to follow and tag @ort.orglife on Instagram or TikTok, use the hashtag #ORTDay and send us a message with their full name and Instagram/TikTok handle. The best Reel or TikTok will win a special prize.

Inspiration and Hope: Jewish Educators’ Seminar Renews Pride and Connection

There were tears and laughter at World ORT’s first Jewish Educators’ Seminar, a four-day event that tackled issues including Jewish education in a post-October 7 world, Jewish approaches to dealing with environmental crisis and change management in the community’s schools.

Twenty educators from around the world met in Barcelona, Spain, for an enriching and, at times, emotional seminar, which was coordinated by World ORT Education Project Manager Jennifer Saber. The packed schedule took in classroom activities and a tour of Jewish Barcelona and, importantly for ORT, publicized the organization’s innovative Jewish curriculum.

Educators were welcomed from schools across the ORT network including from Spain, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Israel, Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, Singapore and South Africa. Four educators from war-torn Ukraine also attended, travelling for at least two days to get to Barcelona – a journey that should normally only take around five hours.

Speaking about the location of the first day of the seminar, one delegate said it was fortuitous to be at Colegio Hatikva, the only Jewish school in the city. The delegate added: “It is very important that there is tikva – hope – and schools are giving hope.”

Colegio Hatikva Principal Ari Messer delivered a session on the benefits of analysing the demographics of a school to understand the needs of, and better integrate, its pupils. Gaynor Collins, World ORT’s Education Project Manager, and Leor Harel, its Learning Development Manager, ran a session on SWOT analysis and strategic action planning and prompted the educators to reflect on their departments’ areas for development or their own individual practice.

ORT staff Gaynor Collins and Leor Harel delivered a session on SWOT analysis

ORT staff also shared information about the organization’s B’nei Mitzvah twinning program and how AI can be used in a teacher’s school life, such as in planning and assessment. They also gave an introduction to World ORT’s Thinking Skills Curriculum and demonstrated a lesson.

Raquel Cohen, a teacher at Colegio Olamí ORT in Mexico, said: “I aim to introduce the skills of chevrutah in all the other subjects so pupils will know how to build respectful and meaningful dialogue with others without arguing.”

Haya Prys, Teacher of Jewish Thought and History at Lycée ORT Daniel Mayer, in Montreuil, France, said: “It was amazing. I made a lot of connections and am already talking about sharing materials with other educators. It was eye-opening to meet all kinds of people who work in all kinds of schools, with Jewish and non-Jewish pupils.”

Victor Sorenssen, the Director of the European Association for the Promotion of Jewish Heritage and Culture, led an “anti-tour” of Barcelona’s Jewish quarter, exploring an innovative approach to Jewish heritage. Moving beyond traditional tours, educators reflected on the opportunities urban spaces offer as extensions of the classroom. This was cemented by Dr. Goretti Luis Cobreros, Project Manager of Jewish organization Toldot, who took those delegates who were interested into sections of the Cathedral of Barcelona that are not accessible to the general public, including its original 15th century archive, where she gave a private viewing of Hebrew documents that have been hidden for centuries.

Rabbi Samuel Garzón of the Comunidad Israelita De Barcelona

There were also discussions on the diverse Jewish attitudes towards the relationship between humanity and nature, ways to enrich classroom teaching experience with Sefaria, which provides a ‘living library’ of Jewish texts, and a poignant exploration of Jewish heritage and identity through food from art therapist and chef Monica Buzali.

A hands-on session at Casa Adret in Barcelona’s old Jewish quarter by Nathalie Kertesz, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of LABA BCN, took some delegates outside their comfort zone by encouraging them to create their own Midrashim (pictured top right). They explored classical Jewish sources using artistic mediums such as watercolours, clay and collage.

Joanne Greenway, chief executive of the London School of Jewish Studies, gave an overview of the Jewish Lives longitudinal study research project as well as LSJS’s Project Innovate, aimed at developing new ideas.

The seminar gave educators a chance to connect with their counterparts across the world and hear about the highlights of working in the field of education alongside the challenges. The latter included students who are disengaged from their Jewish heritage, problems of integration and large numbers of pupils with special needs.

Ofer Ronen and Layla Akbal shared songs of the Sephardic Mediterranean at Casa Adret

Approaches that improve communication and connection among students of different ages were discussed, including Colegio Hatikva’s initiative of reading buddies, whereby older pupils read to those in the kindergarten or early year classes, and its termly class sleepover held at school.

Anna Tarasiuk, a teacher from Bila Tserkva Private Lyceum ‘Mitsva 613’ in Ukraine, said: “I had hoped to get ideas for new projects and to implement them, along with cooperation with other colleagues from around the world. I really liked the seminar. It was like a knowledge bank for me – you went to bed with a lot of ideas. I especially liked the art workshop. I will think about how I can implement a lot of things. I am also thinking about creating a Jewish Tradition course in English for High School in order to upgrade students’ knowledge and to give them opportunity to communicate with other Jewish schools all around the world.”

Delegates described the seminar as “enriching” and were grateful to be able to step away from the classroom to forge connections with colleagues and discuss their work.

One educator said: “The seminar inspired me to enhance our educational process by combining creativity and meaningful content. The ready-made lessons will significantly speed up lesson preparation. I plan to give students more responsibility, such as larger-scale project work connected to Judaism, as well as incorporating interdisciplinary integrations. Additionally, I’d like to create lessons on the Jewish history of our city, possibly in collaboration with the Museum of Jewish History. Another idea is to develop a custom board or mobile game related to Judaism.”

Closing the event, Daniel Tysman, World ORT’s Head of Education, said: “We’ve tried to show you that there are many ways to reach the minds and hearts of our students. We commemorated our pain together, but also shared beautiful music and food, and we’ve created many happy memories. Our main goal was to demonstrate our appreciation for the amazing work you do in Jewish education, and that you would leave knowing that ORT is here to support you.”

ORT Seminar was a ‘Catalyst for Growth, Connection, Inspiration’

Educator Juan Carlos Porras from the Instituto Dr. Jaim Weizman, Costa Rica, reflects on his experience of a World ORT program in Mexico City.

Participating in World ORT’s Global Citizenship Education (GCE) seminar was an incredibly enriching experience that exceeded all my expectations. I arrived at the event full of anticipation, eager to dive into new ideas and connect with fellow educators passionate about promoting global citizenship.

Although I had previously been a mentor in the YEP program, this was my first time attending an in-person ORT event, and I was excited to engage directly with the ORT community.

From the very beginning I felt truly welcomed. Everyone from the organization greeted us warmly, making us feel like part of a close-knit family. The sense of unity was clear from our first dinner together, even before the official activities started. There was an immediate connection among participants, which created an atmosphere of collaboration and open-mindedness. Sharing stories and experiences during that initial meal set a positive tone for the days ahead, breaking down barriers and fostering new friendships.

The talks were deeply inspiring, filled with real examples of how GCE can be applied in everyday life. The speakers didn’t just share theories; they presented practical insights, success stories, and challenges, making the concepts relatable and actionable. Seeing the passion the guest speakers had for their projects was especially motivating.

The days were busy and energizing, packed with well-planned activities designed to make the most of our time. From morning sessions to evening reflections, every moment was used effectively. Despite the full schedule, the energy remained high, thanks to the excellent organization and the shared dedication of everyone involved.

Holding the seminar at Colegio Olamí ORT was a very meaningful experience. We got to see GCE in action – not just through the activities we were doing but also by observing how the school operates and prepares its students to be global citizens aware of the world around them.

Experiencing the school’s approach firsthand was eye-opening. We joined classroom activities, interacted with students, and saw innovative teaching methods that integrated GCE principles seamlessly. Building water filters with students in the Maker Space was a highlight – not just a hands-on project, but a real example of addressing global issues like water scarcity. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm and understanding of global challenges reinforced the impact of GCE on young minds.

All the activities were thoughtfully organized, balancing theoretical lectures with hands-on learning. On a personal level, the experience was profoundly moving and touched me deeply. The visit to the Casa Tochan Migration Center was especially impactful. Hearing personal stories from migrants gave us profound insights into global and local issues, highlighting the human side of topics often discussed in abstract terms. The tour of the Museum of Memory and Tolerance was both sobering and inspiring, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, human rights, and learning from history to build a better future.

Juan Carlos at the end of the seminar with Daniel Tysman, Head of Education Department, and Amelie Esquenazi, World ORT Representative for Latin America

The group of participants was fantastic: educators from different backgrounds and countries, all united by a common goal. There was always a strong sense of camaraderie, and meaningful conversations could happen at any time – during sessions, meals, or informal gatherings. We shared professional experiences, personal stories, cultural perspectives, and educational philosophies. One of the most valuable takeaways is the network of contacts and friendships formed during the seminar. I feel that all the schools present truly left with the understanding that we are a global community that needs to work together.

We immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture of Mexico. Exploring Mexico City, enjoying its cuisine, and experiencing its rich history added an extra dimension to the seminar. We visited local landmarks, engaged with the community, and embraced the city’s energy, leaving us captivated by its beauty and spirit.

This experience not only strengthened my commitment to Global Citizenship Education but also had a profound effect on my personal and professional outlook. I return to my school with renewed enthusiasm, equipped with new strategies, resources, and a broader perspective on integrating GCE into our curriculum. The seminar reaffirmed the importance of fostering global awareness, empathy, and responsibility in our students. I’m excited to share these insights with my colleagues and to start collaborative projects with the new connections I’ve made.

In looking back, the seminar was more than an educational event; it was a catalyst for growth, connection, and inspiration. It reinforced the idea that education is a powerful tool for change and that as educators, we have the responsibility and privilege to shape the next generation of global citizens. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate, and look forward to continuing the journey of promoting Global Citizenship Education in our schools and communities.

Juan Carlos Porras is a design teacher and integrator of technological education at the ORT-affiliated Instituto Dr. Jaim Weizman in Costa Rica

Hatter Technology Seminar Delegates Embrace Responsible Use of AI

The 17th annual World ORT Hatter Technology Seminar in London tackled a sometimes-controversial topic: Generative AI.

The 25 educators attending the four-day event, which focuses on STEM training, came from ORT schools and affiliates in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica, South Africa, Singapore, Israel, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Estonia, France, Italy and Spain.

Welcoming the delegates, Lady Irene Hatter, whose late husband Sir Maurice – former World ORT President – established the annual event, said: “World ORT is committed to making sure that the education we provide is always up to date and relevant. This year, the subject of the seminar is Generative AI. This is a vital subject and, I believe, this is part of our future.”

The controversy surrounding Gen AI includes fears that machines will replace people, that the technology is not accurate and that students will cheat. Concerns over emerging technology, argued some presenters and delegates, are not new. Participants remembered fears over the introduction of the calculator in the classroom, for example.

Rather, they said, the technology is here to stay and already being used by students, therefore educators must embrace it for their own use – it can help them to reduce their workload by producing or refining lesson plans, for example – and design policies in their institutions to ensure students develop critical thinking skills to use it safely and improve their outcomes.

Daniel Tysman, Head of World ORT’s Education Department, said: “There’s no doubt that currently the biggest talking point for schools worldwide is AI. The Hatter Seminars allow ORT schools to connect with leaders at the forefront of STEM education, and this year’s event gave delegates a huge boost in understanding AI and the impact that it will have on their schools.

“From developing strategy and designing policies, enhancing teaching and learning, performing mundane tasks, delegates were given lots of ideas of how to approach each task and above all how they and their students can get the best use from this technology in an ethical and responsible way.”

The annual seminar provides an opportunity for ORT’s professional educators from around the world to explore the latest developments in teaching and learning in the areas of STEM and take them back to their institutions and maintain a network of educators for peer support.

After presentations from educational experts in the field of AI, delegates visited Yavneh College in Borehamwood, where Assistant Headteacher Brandon Pieters gave a talk on practical uses of AI for teachers.

Later, at North East Surrey College of Technology, CEO Julie Kapsalis expressed her excitement at the opportunity for collaboration between World ORT and the institution. Somayyeh Clifton, the college’s Head of Quality Improvement & Innovation and an expert on AI for Education and Training, discussed harnessing chatbots for practical support in AI-driven teaching and learning and highlighted tools and pedagogical approaches, including a deep dive into NotebookLM. She then introduced the college’s innovative VR Learning Resource Centre and delegates had an opportunity to try it for themselves.

One participant said the seminar had “changed the way I perceive AI”, adding: “It will make a difference to how I teach it in the future. The students will have the advantage of what I have learnt here.”

Roger Guerrero, Co-ordinator of Innovative Technology and Education at the ORT-affiliated Colegio Hatikva in Barcelona, Spain, said: “I came to the seminar because I wanted to share experiences with colleagues from around the world and see how they are implementing AI in their schools and how to lead the transformation in education. We learnt not just about the tools and how we can implement them, but also how to use and grade personalized programs for students with special needs.

“ORT provides us with a lot of educational programs and we can participate in them with students from around the world. My personal networking and my school networking is growing every day. I am very grateful and thankful to be here.”

World ORT’s Learning Development Manager, Leor Harel, said: “The Hatter Seminar was a fantastic opportunity to bring a diverse group of professionals together to network, share good practice and further our knowledge on a prevalent theme within education today.”

ORT Group’s Israel Visit ‘Deeply Moving’, says Chair

A delegation of ORT leaders has travelled across Israel meeting those affected by the October 7 attacks as part of an emotional and powerful experience to deepen their understanding of the past year’s events.

The delegation engaged with journalists, survivors, resilience counsellors, and leaders in Tel Aviv, across southern Israel and in Jerusalem.

Robert Grey, World ORT Chair, led the mission and said it had been a deeply moving few days.

“To see for ourselves the extent of the carnage wrought on the kibbutzim and sites in southern Israel was hugely affecting for our group. But equally, spending time with the Israelis who have worked so hard every day since October 7 to repair not just their physical surroundings, but their emotional and mental wellbeing, was incredibly uplifting,” he said.

“I am so proud of the immense effort being made by World ORT Kadima Mada staff across Israel to support our students and teachers at this time. Their bravery and sacrifice are truly inspiring. We treasured the time we had with our staff and children.”

At Kibbutz Nahal Oz, one of the closest kibbutzim to the Gaza border, the group heard a deeply moving account from Yifat Fiorentino, a member of the kibbutz who teaches at World ORT’s Kfar Silver Youth Village a few miles away. Her brother Ilan, head of a team of first responders, was killed while bravely defending the kibbutz.

Yifat shared the harrowing events of October 7, describing how at 6.29 am, when the first sirens blared, she and her husband, along with their two young children, moved to the shelter of their home.

They endured a tense and agonizing 13-hour wait, without water and food, and at times without electricity, until they were finally rescued by IDF troops.

She described how Ilan left behind a wife and three young children, and his sacrifice stands as a powerful testament to the courage and selflessness of many Israelis in the face of unimaginable danger.

Yifat Fiorentino and Bob Grey

From Kibbutz Nahal Oz, the participants continued to the stark and haunting Tkuma Memorial, where hundreds of charred and battered vehicles have been gathered. Most of these vehicles came from the Nova Festival, a place meant for celebration but transformed into a scene of horror. These burnt cars powerfully echo the immense loss of life and the anguish of that fateful day, each vehicle a sombre symbol of lives interrupted too soon.

The ORT group also heard the testimony of Doron Landau, whose son, Ben, survived the Nova music festival massacre. He recounted his son’s terrifying experience of being pursued by terrorists and finding refuge in a shelter, where he was eventually rescued after hours of hiding under the bodies of his murdered friends.

At the Nova site itself, another survivor, Yael Ze’evi, a 36-year-old married mother-of-two, described how she and her husband managed to escape by hiking and hitchhiking away from the site despite having both been shot by terrorist attackers.

During the group’s time at Kfar Silver, participants spoke to students who had experienced the anguish of October 7 first-hand. They heard about the work done at the village in the past year to provide mental health support and post-trauma assistance to address the students’ needs.

Following a solidarity dinner with students and staff, Esther Marcus, from Kibbutz Alumim – also near Kfar Silver and the Gaza border – spoke about how her work in resilience centers across Israel has grown to include hundreds of therapists treating more than 3,000 Israelis every week.

Isaac Touitou, Head of the Lycée ORT Daniel Mayer in Montreuil, Paris, said: “I feel the deepest emotion after our mission to Israel. The people we met have been so courageous in the way they have dealt with recent events.

“Those we met who were affected first-hand were extremely moving in telling their stories. We admire their ability to overcome the tragedies they have experienced, as well as their capacity to keep faith in life.”

He said the speaker sessions had “enlightened” the delegation and that their time together had been a moving collective experience.

In Tel Aviv, sessions included time with Dr. Michael Milshtein, who offered insights from his extensive background in Palestinian affairs and security, tracing the roots of the current conflict and considering scenarios for the future.

The group also visited the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, touring a special exhibit of photographs by Ziv Koren covering the time since October 7 last year in the kibbutzim near Gaza, images of released hostages and soldiers’ journeys to rehabilitation. A poignant visitor later took place to Hostage Square, an impactful reminder of the continued human cost of the ongoing conflict.

In Jerusalem the participants heard from veteran journalist David Horovitz who reflected on his experience of covering wartime politics, and from Khaled Abu Toameh, an Israeli Arab journalist, who offered a nuanced perspective on Palestinian affairs. Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, concluded the discussions and explained how the recent conflict impacts on coexistence between Palestinians and Jews in Jerusalem.

Unity, Kindness and Heroism: Lessons for Jewish Identity Education

Earlier this year Daniel Tysman, Head of World ORT’s Education Department, took part in a very significant mission to Israel, alongside 30 leading educators from around the world.

The group considered the key issues facing Jewish education globally post-October 7.

Participants explored the educational opportunities presented by the tragedy and considered the resources needed to transform a Jewish crisis into an opportunity for fostering greater Jewish belonging, confidence, and resilience.

In this piece, written as part of a compilation of essays for the UnitEd organization which provides a network for developing and empowering Jewish educators worldwide, Daniel explores some of the lasting impressions he took from the trip:

 

The mission provided an extraordinarily close-up view of how Israelis are living through and responding to their ongoing trauma.

We were persistently challenged to reflect, respond, and share our thoughts, making it feel like an event of historic significance for the entire Jewish people.

The main impression made on me was that we all have a huge and pressing obligation to respond. Examples of unity, kindness and heroism that we witnessed gave me optimism that educators responsible for Jewish identity can use this momentous time to rethink and rebuild.

Spontaneous expressions of unity in response to shared grief can be a foundation for systematically building a new, deeper, more intentional version of Jewish peoplehood.

The kindness shown to displaced families, and the outpouring of support for the loved ones of the victims and hostages showed us a different and better way to respond to cruelty.

Visiting the sites of tragedy and meeting people whose lives have been torn apart also exposed stories of individual heroism.

Elie Wiesel wrote that whoever listens to a witness becomes a witness. The narrative and language that we use as educators to retell the story of this tragedy has the potential to reinvigorate Jewish pride.

The ORT network reaches a hugely diverse student population across more than 30 countries. One unifying feature is that our schools share a sense of belonging to a global Jewish family and their educational programs put emphasis on our collective history.

In the wake of the events of 7/10 our connection to this supportive network helped us to navigate the dark months that followed. The heartache of colleagues, relatives and friends has left us emotionally drained. The representation of the war across all forms of media and new expressions of antisemitism have contributed to a sense of insecurity and uncertainty that has tested our resilience.

For all of us responsible for building confident Jewish identities and positive connections to Israel, the Jewish educators’ mission came at a critical time.

We had been asking ourselves how to reassure young people whose media feeds portray Zionists as the perpetrators of evil. What level responsibility should they assume to promote a narrative that counters hate? How do we prepare them for the transition to university campuses where they are likely to encounter hostility towards Israel?

In the short term we need measures to address the specific challenges, to find some order in the chaos, to look out for each other’s wellbeing and to provide a level of security that makes us all feel safe.

Over the coming months we are going to be conducting a strategic review of Israel education across the international ORT network, leading our school leaders and educators to transform our approach to building Jewish identity in terms of peoplehood and forming relationships with Israel.

The social entrepreneurs we met during the mission taught us that above all, it’s important to respond to a need with action, and that having a clarity of mission can overcome obstacles and lead to impactful change.

Daniel (holding the left corner of the banner) with fellow educators in Israel. The trip was organized and sponsored by the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, the Pincus Fund for Jewish Education, the World Zionist Organization and The Koret Center for Jewish Civilization – a partnership between ANU – Museum of the Jewish People and Tel Aviv University.

ORT Day 2024 Highlights Unity Around Global Network

Students, teachers and supporters have come together to mark ORT Day – the annual celebration of our global network.

This year’s theme was ‘unity’, with participants focusing on the strength of the Jewish people and sense of international solidarity since the October 7 terror attacks in Israel.

ORT Day is an opportunity to connect our students, alumni, professionals and friends of ORT to celebrate our mission, history and present work.

Dan Green, World ORT Director General and CEO, opened the proceedings, telling the virtual audience: “This year in particular, when across the network we have seen so much disruption to people’s lives, so much difficulty, most recently in Israel and of course the ongoing situation in Ukraine as well – it becomes even more important that we can show unity and join together in as many ways as possible. ORT Day is one of our traditional ways of doing that.”

During a live online session, students heard from Meira Cowland, a social and political commentator who posts to her 40,000 Instagram followers about the impact of the war in Israel.

She spoke to the students about changing the online narrative, tackling antisemitism and being part of a unified, global Jewish community.

Meira told the session: “My belief is that bullies bully people who allow themselves to be bullied, who don’t stand up confidently. I think that part of this war is forcing all of us, Jews, non-Jews, Israelis, Americans, everyone, to commit to the fact that you should stand proudly behind who you are. I stand proudly as a Jew and I stand proudly as somebody who supports Israel.”

Asked about students’ concerns around their online presence and digital footprint, and the ongoing effect when they leave school, she encouraged students to be confident and strong.

“When you stand behind something and you believe in something, then that is something that can always be respected,” Meira said. “If a job won’t accept you because of things you’ve said in good faith, then that’s not a place where you want to work.”

Students in Sofia, Bulgaria, take part in the ORT Day quiz

The ORT Day quiz was very well attended, with dozens of students from around the world competing for the first prize. They answered a series of questions about ORT’s history since its foundation in 1880.

The winning team was from Escuela ORT Argentina in Buenos Aires – the fourth consecutive year that the school has been successful. Teammates Nicolás Campanario and Nicolás Fernandez celebrated their victory together.

Students from ORT schools in Bulgaria, Lithuania and across Latin America also finished in the top ten.

For the annual network social media competition, students were challenged to create and post an Instagram reel or TikTok video on the theme of unity.

The winning video came from Kyiv ORT Educational Complex #141 in Ukraine and featured students talking about their hopes for peace:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Educational complex 141 "ORT" (@say_hi_school)

Tevin Stoch, a student at the ORT-affiliated King David Linksfield High School in Johannesburg, South Africa, produced a moving film about the unity the Jewish diaspora feels with Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza. His entry was highly commended by the judges.

Students Yasmin Goulart, Helena Amaral, Emanuele Netto, Maria Eduarda de Carvalho and Isabel Dantas from Escola ORT in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were acknowledged for their entry which featured members of the school community singing and dancing to a song they had written specially for ORT Day:

@ortdaybrasil

CURTE, COMENTA E REPUBLICA 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 #ortday #foryou #foruoupage #fy #fyp #viral @Escola ORT Brasil @ORTlife

♬ som original – 103 ORT

ORT Russia Director Mikhail Libkin led a session with students at ORT Technology School (Gymnasium #1540) in Moscow, discussing ORT’s history in the country.

At ORT SA CAPE in Cape Town, South Africa, staff held a session to discuss different interpretations of unity and what it means to be part of the ORT network.