J.D.C. to Give Ort $1,800,000 in 1961 for Vocational Training Work

The Joint Distribution Committee will provide $1,800,000 during 1961 toward the vocational training program of ORT, it was announced here today by officials of both organizations. The funds will help finance trade education and economic rehabilitation activities which ORT conducts in Europe, Israel, North Africa and Iran. More than 40,000 persons are expected to receive such assistance in these areas during the coming year.

The agreement will for the first time make provision for a vocational instruction program in India. The new pact anticipates expansion during 1961 of ORT training activities in Israel, France, Morocco and Iran and allocates increased funds for this purpose. The agreement specifics that the American ORT Federation will refrain from conducting independent fund-raising campaigns in the United States, but will be permitted to continue its membership activities.

Signing the pact for the two agencies were Moses A. Leavitt, JDC executive vice-chairman, and Dr. William Haber and Max Braude, representing ORT. Dr. Haber is president of the American ORT Federation and Mr. Braude is director general of the World ORT Union. The amount ORT will expend for all its 1961 programs in 19 countries is over $6,740,000. Under terms of the agreement reached between the two agencies, ORT will make up from other sources the difference between the JDC grant and the total required.

The understanding provides for continued large-scale assistance for the vocational training of Jews in Poland, both those repatriated from Russia and those in need among the so called “settled population.” JDC and ORT organized aid programs three years ago on behalf of an estimated 19,000 Jewish repatriates from the Soviet Union. The largest single amount is assigned to Israel, where ORT has established trade schools in 22 localities. These schools now comprise the largest vocational education system in the country.