The Joint Distribution Committee will provide $1, 950, 000 during 1966 toward the overseas vocational training program of Ort, it was announced here today by officials of both organizations. This is $100, 000 more than the amount allocated in 1965, reflecting the increased need for vocational training overseas, especially in France and Israel.
The grant will help finance technical education and economic rehabilitation activities of Ort in Europe, Israel, North Africa, Iran and India. More than 40, 000 persons are expected to receive such assistance in these and other areas during the coming year.
Ort activities in Israel with trade schools in 31 localities comprising the largest vocational school system in the country will receive by far the largest portion of the 1966 JDC grant. About 25,000 persons are expected to receive industrial and technical instruction in these schools this year.
The JDC allocation includes provision for substantial funds to be used by Ort in France for vocational services for Algerian and other North African refugees. Ort trade schools, apprentice programs for youth and special courses for adults have been greatly enlarged to meet the needs of 150, 000 arrivals. These measures have been insufficient, however, and will have to be expanded in the coming year.
ORT TO SPEND $12, 000, 000 IN 1966 FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING
The amount Ort will expend for all its 1966 programs in 22 countries is about $12, 000, 000. The agreement between the two agencies stipulated that Ort will make up from other sources the difference between the JDC grant and the total required.
The understanding between the JDC and Ort provides for enlargement of a vocational instructional program in India. Continued assistance for vocational training of Jews in Poland, those repatriated from the Soviet Union and those in need among the so-called “settled population” is assured by the agreement. JDC and Ort resumed aid programs in Poland in 1957.
Signing the financial pact for the two agencies were Charles H. Jordan, JDC executive vice-chairman, Dr. William Haber, president of the American Ort Federation. Max A. Braude, Ort director general. The current agreement stipulates that the grant to Ort will be reviewed by representatives of both agencies by September 1966. The new pact is the 20th consecutive annual financial agreement between the two agencies.
JDC, the major American agency aiding distressed Jews abroad, receives its funds from the United Jewish Appeal. Ort is the principle agency affording vocational education to Jews overseas. Vocational training assistance through Ort represents one aspect of JDC’s overseas programs. JDC has made $29, 500, 000 available to Ort in the past 19 years.
The new agreement specifies that the American Ort Federation will refrain from conducting independent fund-raising campaigns in the United States but will continue its membership activities.
In 1966, JDC requires a minimum of $30, 425, 000 to provide welfare and rehabilitation services for hundreds of thousands of needy Jews in 30 countries around the world.
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