ORT is awarded with "Fiddler on the Roof" in the "Education" category

December 17 at the State Kremlin Palace hosted a ceremony awarding the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia (FJC) "Fiddler on the Roof" for 5774 (2014) year.

Established in 2002, the prize of Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia "Fiddler on the Roof" is the most prestigious award for organizations and members of the Jewish public society in Russia.

This year, in recognition of the merit in development of education ORT was awarded in nomination "Education." During the ceremony, it was noted that, as a representative of the global educational network, ORT, originated in Russia 135 years ago as a Society to help Jews of Pale, today implements a number of projects around the world. ORT Russia cooperates with dozens of Jewish communities, universities, colleges and vocational schools, creating new and support existing Jewish schools, trains students the up-to-date information and communication technologies, helps young people in employment, engaged teachers’ professional improvement, provides disabled people with a chance for socialization and professional self-realization. Realizing the projects in technology education ORT contributes the development of Russian education.

The prize was delivered to Director of ORT in Russia Dr. Sergey Gorinskiy. In his speech Sergey thanked FJC and pointed out that firstly ORT is a network of Jewish schools and training centers for adults at Jewish communities. Underlining the ORT’s commitment to traditions of Jewish charity, Sergey Gorinskiy stressed the point on the face the ORT is a Jewish organization not only because it helps Jewish people but also because it helps other people on behalf of Jews. “There, on this stage, our teachers from Jewish schools and ORT training centers of Moscow, St Petersburg and many other centers should stay together with me. And there should be our friends from colleges and vocational schools, who help young people including those ones with special education needs to get specialty of demand”.     

By tradition the ceremony takes place in the early days of Hanukkah, which is celebrated in honor of the victory of the Jewish people over the Greco-Syrian tribes and accomplished a miracle when a small pot with enough oil to light the Temple for eight days.

This award Jewish community of Russia annually grants to individuals and organizations whose activities have made a truly significant contribution to the development of cultural, scientific and social life of the country. It was awarded to many well-known representatives of Russian culture, politics and public figures.

Award’s statuette is a symbol of "Fiddler on the Roof", created by Israeli sculptor Frank Meisler. The Leader of the FJC, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar in his welcome speech explained the meaning of the figure so as it depicts Fiddler on the Roof. It is a symbol saying that, despite any circumstances, a person must be on top, continue to play violin and give joy for people.

It is noteworthy that this characteristic resonates with the slogan put forward in 1880 by one of the ORT’s founders Baron Horace de Gunzburg: "To freedom and dignity through education", which is actual for ORT till now.

According to Jewish tradition of Tikkun-Olam ORT strives to improve the life of the people over the world providing them with access to wide range opportunities to professional and economic growth through up-to-date technologies.   

                         The ceremony was attended by Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar, president of FJC Alexander Boroda, director of public relations of FJC Boruch Gorin, as well as the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Russia Mrs.  Dorit Golender.

In addition to the awarding ceremony there was show of the famous singers and musical groups of the Russian pop-music.