"It is … our duty as scientists to promote education, rational thinking and tolerance. We should also encourage our educated youth to become technological entrepreneurs. Those countries that nurture this knowhow will survive future financial and social crises. Let us advance science to create a better world for all."
Professor Dan Shechtman, winner of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2011, and member of World ORT’s Academic Advisory Council in Israel.

"I think education is the fundamental component to South Africa being able to become a successful nation. Education should not be based on race, class, gender or ethnicity and ORT has ensured that people from all walks of life are afforded an equal chance for a better tomorrow.”
Johnny Clegg, musician and anthropologist.

"Throughout the world, ORT schools provide a modern educational environment in which young people learn to appreciate time-honoured general values as well as get connected to Jewish values. The cutting edge technological orientation brought in by ORT positions Jewish schools at a much higher level, thus providing them with an ability to attract the generation who may otherwise remain unaffiliated."
Natan Sharansky

"I have had occasion before to remark on the fact that ORT's activity does not base itself upon 'charity' but upon self help. Both for the work of rebuilding human lives and the great task of building a new nation in Israel, the acquisition of skills assumes an enormous importance. I want to assure you of my greatest admiration for the cause in which you are so nobly engaged."
Albert Einstein

"Your vocational training activities … represent a constructive activity on a people-to-people level which deserves approbation … You are engaged in a work of great humanitarian significance. Yours is the type of meaningful program which transmits skills and technical knowledge as an aid to the modernization of communities and to the improvement of living standards. It is thus in consonance with the main currents of our times."
President John F. Kennedy

"…ORT has provided an education for life to Jews and others in vulnerable communities throughout the world. In so doing, it has exemplified one of Judaism's greatest values. We are the people who predicated our very existence as a people on education, on 'teaching... diligently to our children.' … The civilizations of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome have long since disappeared. Judaism still lives and flourishes and survives. ORT is testimony to that truth.”
Lord Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth

Leadership

The leadership of World ORT consists of truly dedicated lay leaders and professions who give their time, experience and expertise for the benefit of ORT, and whose commitment is a continuous inspiration.

Through the World ORT Governing Bodies, lay leaders and professional staff control, administrate and operate the ever-increasing scope of ORT activities worldwide, and ensure that the highest standards of transparency and accountability are met throughout the organization.

The most senior governing body is the Board of Trustees, composed of up to 15 people from around the world. The board meets quarterly and is responsible for World ORT’s policies, programs and budget. The organization’s most senior professional, the Director General and CEO, reports to the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

View the full list of committee members.


PRESIDENT

DR. JEAN DE GUNZBURG

Dr Jean de Gunzburg was elected president of World ORT in 2008. Prior to this he served as deputy president for four years and also chaired the Strategic Taskforce Committee which oversaw the successful streamlining of ORT’s governance. Dr de Gunzburg is a direct descendant of Baron Horace Gunzburg, one of the three founders of ORT in St Petersburg in 1880.

 


CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MAURICIO MERIKANSKAS

A prominent businessman, educator and long-standing ORT lay leader and officer, Mauricio Merikanskas brings his wide commercial and educational experience to the post of Chair of the Board, as well as detailed knowledge of the organization.


TREASURER

JUDY MENIKOFF

Judy Menikoff has been a devoted supporter of World ORT for more than 35 years. Her service and achievement on the national and international level include Chair of the World ORT General Assembly and other leading roles. Having visited most of World ORT's programs, Judy Menikoff contributes unique insight into World ORT's operation and governance.


SECRETARY

MARTIN BEHR

As a businessman and committed ORT supporter for over 30 years, Martin Behr served as Chair of the World ORT finance committee from 2000 until 2006. His commitment to maintaining the organizations high standards of financial transparency and integrity are reflected in World ORT's ongoing financial accountability.


DIRECTOR GENERAL & CEO

ROBERT SINGER

As World ORT's chief professional, Robert Singer directs ORT’s operational and fundraising activities across five continents, managing the professional staff and liaising with the lay leadership body. Robert Singer took up his post in 1999 and since that time has engineered the organisation’s steady growth.

World ORT Board Members

Board of Trustees
Prof. Alexander  Asmolov, Russia
Michele  Di Veroli, Italy
Moti Dotan, Israel
Robert  Equey, Switzerland
Shelley Fagel, USA
Prefet Lucien Kalfon, France
Dr. Emil Kalo, Bulgaria
Dario Werthein, Argentina
Roger Wingate, Switzerland/UK
David Woolf, UK

Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
Dorene Berger, USA

Chair of the Finance Committee
Peter Klauber, UK

Chair of the Constitution & Bylaws Committee
Justice Sandra Chapnik, Canada

Acting Chair of the Academic Advisory Council
Prof. Alexander Asmolov, Russia

 

Senior Professional Leadership

Chief Operating Officer
Sonia Gomes de Mesquita

Chief Finance Officer
Steve West

Chief Program Officer
Vladimir Dribinskiy

Acting Head of the World ORT Representative Office in Israel
Avi Ganon

Head of the World ORT Representative Office for CIS, Central Asia, Caucasian States & Baltic States
David Benish

World ORT Representative in North America
Harry Nadler

World ORT Representative in Latin America
Isidoro Gorodischer

World ORT Representative in France
Guy Seniak