 Victory for Both Sides in Haifa Court Decision Case Between World ORT and ORT Israel Enables World ORT to Use Its Name and Expand Work in Israel |
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April 30, 2008; New York, NY— A feeling of optimism and relief prevailed among the top leadership of ORT America as they learned of the final decision rendered by Haifa District Court in Israel on a lawsuit between World ORT, the London-based umbrella of the 56-nation World ORT Union, and ORT Israel, the Israel-based ORT affiliate that last year severed its ties to the worldwide organization. The judge’s decision, which was entered on April 28th, settled the issues of who may use the ORT name for what purposes in Israel. The court’s decision, while awarding ownership of the ORT name in Israel to ORT Israel, also found that World ORT may continue to use its name—World ORT—in Israel as well and to continue and expand its work in Israel using that same name. In a Solomon-like decision, the court recognized the value of both World ORT’s 128 years of work in Israel and around the world, just as it recognized the equity ORT Israel had built in its name over the last 50-plus years of work in Israel. The court said that World ORT may continue its present programs and that it may initiate new programs. “We are pleased and relieved and happy to continue forward with our important programs in Israel,” said Hope Kessler, Executive Director of ORT America, the U.S. affiliate of the World ORT Union. “While our work in Israel continued successfully during this year-long case, any possible future distractions and uncertainties have now been resolved. We can now focus completely on our Work in Israel and the rest of the world.” Beginning in January 2007, World ORT began several program initiatives in Israel that did not include ORT Israel, but relied on the cooperation and involvement of the Israeli Ministry of Education as its guide and partner. World ORT, with heavy support from ORT America, launched Science Journey, a multi year, multimillion dollar program, to increase the level of science and technology education in Israel so that it may produce a workforce capable of competing in today’s global job market. “It is a tremendous relief to know that World ORT will continue to help students in Israel and the scores of other nations where our resources are so vitally necessary and appreciated,” said ORT America President Doreen N. Hermelin. This decision brings to a close a series of conflicts and confrontations between World ORT and ORT Israel that began in 2005 when World ORT demanded that ORT Israel meet the same standards of transparency and accountability accepted by every one of the 56 World ORT national member organizations. ORT Israel refused and announced it would no longer cooperate with World ORT and seek its own support outside of Israel. The lawsuit regarding the ORT mark in Israel was part of this ongoing conflict. Source: ORT America Press Release |
