British ORT

27 July 2007

"I feel like a whole new world has been opened to me.”

English is not the only language that the 35 teenagers from Israel, Belarus, Moldova, Italy and France have learned while in London for the World ORT Rosner English Summer School; they have also learned the languages of tolerance and empathy.

At the start of the two-week programme combining intensive English language tuition with an introduction to British culture, World ORT’s Head of Jewish Education, Judah Harstein, noted that one goal was to break down barriers between people.

The Summer School’s success in this regard was eloquently described by Jwan Morad, a 16-year-old from Horfesh, one of 30 campuses in Israel benefiting from World ORT’s $7.4 million Kadima Mada (Science Journey) programme to raise the level of science and technology teaching.

Jwan was one of seven Summer School participants who addressed the British ORT reception for the students last night.

“This is the first time that I have been able to leave all the complicated definitions of being Israeli, Arabic or Druze behind and just be a human being among others,” she said. “We enjoyed every moment here. We learned a lot, talked a lot of English and, most important, we managed to see things through each others’ eyes. During this trip I came to know new places and meet other people from different cultures. I feel like a whole new world has been opened to me.”

Pnina Hilman, a teacher at Kadoorie Agricultural High School, told the reception: “ORT has brought together students from different cultures and countries and they have become one group. It’s remarkable the way it’s worked out. From what I’ve seen, the Rosner Summer School has achieved all its goals: the kids have improved their English unbelievably, they have made great friends and they now know about ORT, its history and activities.”

In a thank you card addressed to “the ORT family”, the Summer School students wrote: “We would like to tell you how much we appreciate your dedication to the idea of making the world a better place to live in.”

World ORT Director General Robert Singer thanked British ORT, the UK-based Joseph Trust and Jenny Rosner for their support which had made this year’s Summer School the largest so far.

“Programmes like this show what World ORT is all about,” Mr Singer told the reception. “We are non-political and non-sectarian. We bring Druze, Jews and Muslims together to study and they all become part of the ORT family.”

World ORT supporter Jenny Rosner, who founded the Summer School, was unable to attend the reception. But Robert Bieber, a member of World ORT’s International Cooperation Standing Committee, conveyed a message to the reception on her behalf.

“Jenny is very proud of these students,” Mr Bieber said. “She firmly believes that the Summer School is very important for all concerned but for the young people in particular. She sends her love and best wishes.”

British ORT Chairman Alan Goldman said: “This year has seen a record number of students participating in the Rosner programme. The group reflects a truly multicultural mix, representing an important part of ORT’s work in breaking down barriers. I am delighted that the Summer School has enhanced the studies of these students in such a positive way.”

The students were presented with certificates and copies of Poems for Peace, a book of poetry written by ORT students. As a condition for their participation in the Summer School, the teenagers are committed to using their improved English-language skills to help peers with their English studies.