ORT America at 100 100 Years of Impact Stories

Celebratory Gala Marks 100-Year Anniversary of ORT in America

ORT America marked its 100-year milestone with a celebratory Gala, on November 20 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. With nearly 150 in attendance, more than $600,000 was raised for transformative education in Israel, Ukraine, and more than 30 other countries.

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Role Models in Philanthropy and Leadership

Supporting ORT is a “family affair” for the Lanznar family. Howard and Gail Lanznar have been involved for many years and their son Jon has followed in their path and is now a National Board Member and an advisory member of the National Leadership CohORT Program.

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A Family Legacy: Making a Difference Through Education

Sometimes connections with ORT are a long and deep family affair. Such is the case with the Sill-Perlmuter family where the entire mishpacha (family) has been involved for decades.

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A Letter from 1945

Like a time capsule, this letter provides a look back at ORT’s vital efforts in the rebuilding of the Jewish communities.

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The Sill-Perlmuter Family: Connection to ORT is a Family Affair

Sometimes connections with ORT are a long and deep family affair. Such is the case with the Sill-Perlmuter family where the entire mishpacha (family) has been involved for decades.

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Shirley Sokolsky: Beloved Leader and Friend to All

Shirley Sokolsky joined Women’s American ORT in Chicago in 1955 and, with her late husband Burton’s encouragement, served in many key national and regional leadership positions throughout the years.

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Joe Cohen: From ORT Student to National President

Joe Cohen z”l of Atlanta had a lifelong connection to ORT on many levels. As a young man living in Egypt, he was forced to leave the country with his brother in 1956 during the Israeli Suez Canal campaign because of his French nationality.

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Betty Schoenbaum – One Woman Inspires Many

For Israel’s 60th birthday, ORT America member Betty Schoenbaum z”l decided to give something special to the Jewish State. The heiress to the Shoney’s restaurant and motel chain made a gift of $5 million to support World ORT programs in Israel.

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David Hermelin – A Lifetime of Leadership

An internationally-recognized diplomat, businessman, philanthropist and devoted ORT leader, David Hermelin worked tirelessly for our organization for half a century. He served as President of the American ORT Foundation (AOF, now known as ORT America) for a remarkable four terms, and later as President of World ORT.

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