The Joint Distribution Committee will provide $1,450,000 during 1956 for the work of the ORT for the work of the ORT under an agreement announced today by the two organizations. The cost of vocational training programs conducted by ORT in Europe, Israel, North Africa and other countries is expected to exceed $4,000,000 during the current year. Under terms of the new agreement, ORT will provide from other sources the difference between the amount granted by JDC and the total sum required.
The pact envisages vocational and educational services to over 20,000 persons in more than 300 ORT trade schools and workshops in 19 countries during 1956, ORT officials declared that “top priority” will be given to programs located in North Africa and Israel, in view of the critical situations facing Jews in these areas. Signing the pact for the two agencies were Dr. Aron Syngalowski and Dr. William Haber, representing ORT, and Moses A. Leavitt, executive vice-chairman of the JDC. Dr. Syngalowski is chairman of the executive committee of the World ORT Union and Dr. Haber is president of the American ORT Federation.
The pact between the two agencies renews the previous year’s agreement, including the stipulation that ORT will not conduct independent fund-raising campaigns in the U.S., but will be permitted to continue with membership activities. Enrollment in ORT training programs increased 10 percent during 1955, according to ORT representatives. 4,275 students, over 1,000 of them in Israel alone, completed their studies in 60 different occupations and found ready employment in their communities.
ORT schools are officially recognized in most countries of operation, with graduates receiving governmental certificates of trade proficiency. In Israel, ORT currently conducts trade schools and adult courses in 18 cities and towns. The majority of students are teen-agers receiving complete secondary schooling. In cooperation with the U.S. Operations Missions and the Israel Ministry of Education ORT has opened three schools especially set up to meet the trade education needs of immigrant youngsters.
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