British ORT

Nearly 200 people attended the Annual Dinner at the prestigious Park Lane Hotel in the heart of London. By the end of what proved to be an enjoyable and relaxed social occasion, more than £300,000 was raised for World ORT’s Kadima Mada (Science Journey) programme in Israel.

The evening featured entertainment by Druze and Jewish students from three of the more than 30 campuses currently benefiting from Kadima Mada, World ORT’s programme to raise the standard of science and technology education in Israel.

Among those attending the dinner were the Mayor of Horfesh, Rekad Kheredan, the Principal of Sha’ar HaNegev High School, Aharon Rothstein, and the Mayor of Kiryat Yam, Shmuel Sisso. Sha’ar HaNegev, Horfesh High School and Rodman High School in Kiryat Yam all benefit from the Kadima Mada programme.

It was also the farewell to Israel's outgoing Ambassador to the Court of St James, Zvi Heifetz. His speech proved to be an appropriate ending to his four years of service in London.

“One of my first duties in the UK was to address a British ORT function so it seems fitting that you are here wishing me farewell,” he said.

“ORT is one of my favourite charities,” he continued. “It helps Jewish communities across the globe to make a difference to society. ORT consistently strives towards a higher level of science and technology in Israel, working across the spectrum of religion. World ORT’s support of Israel has been an inspiration to me and my wife.”

Also addressing the Dinner, Mayor Sisso illustrated the importance of a good education by describing his own path from a poor Moroccan immigrant family to becomeing a lawyer and eventually Consul General in New York.

“Imagine what a great change can happen when you give a child – even one whose future already appears fated – the help they need to become someone,” he said.

Mayor Sisso said this was what World ORT was achieving in Israel: transforming mediocre schools to high quality ones by complementing government services.