#Venezuela #Jewish Community #World ORT #Caracas #Colegio UE Moral y Luces

World ORT Welcomes New School

In a significant milestone for educational outreach, World ORT has announced the affiliation of its first new school in four years, the Colegio UE Moral y Luces "Herzl-Bialik" located in Caracas, Venezuela. This marks a moment of hope and determination for the local Jewish community, which is in the process of recovering from devastating earthquakes that struck the region in June.

Founded in 1946, Colegio UE Moral y Luces has been an integral part of the Jewish community, which comprises approximately 4,000 individuals. With an enrollment of 332 students from preschool through high school, the school has a long-standing tradition of educational excellence that now expands under the umbrella of World ORT, an organization with a remarkable 145-year history in Jewish education worldwide.

A New Chapter Amid Reconstruction

The affiliation with World ORT brings with it a reinvigorated academic framework that is set to enhance the school's educational offerings and raise its visibility within the community. This partnership is particularly poignant given the recent challenges faced by Venezuela, including political turmoil and natural disasters. Although the earthquakes did not physically harm the students and staff of the school, the emotional and infrastructural aftermath has sparked a collective effort to restore both the community’s spirit and its facilities.

Dov Ben-Shimon, CEO of World ORT, expressed the significance of this moment, stating, "We are honored to officially welcome Colegio UE Moral y Luces 'Herzl-Bialik' to the World ORT network. This affiliation has been years in the making, but its timing couldn't be more meaningful. Venezuela's Jewish community is still recovering from the earthquakes, and this school no longer has to face that recovery alone."

Strengthening Bonds and Expanding Opportunities

Historically, Colegio UE Moral y Luces has participated in various World ORT initiatives, including its Ecology Summer School, showcasing a pre-existing relationship between the institution and the global network. The affiliation signifies not only an academic partnership but also a commitment to community resilience and continuity. As noted by Deborah Mizrahi de Sananes, President of the school’s Board, "Joining the World ORT network is a natural next step that connects our legacy with a global vision for the future."

With a century's worth of impact, World ORT operates in over 30 countries and reaches more than 200,000 beneficiaries annually, offering training in areas such as science, technology, and entrepreneurship. This mission dovetails with the goals of Colegio UE Moral y Luces—a shared endeavor to inspire and empower the next generation of Jewish leaders.

As the affiliation unfolds, the school community looks forward to leveraging new resources and opportunities that come with being part of the World ORT network. It is a timely partnership that stands as a testament to the resilience of the Jewish community in Venezuela, ensuring that even in times of adversity, they are not alone.

Conclusion

World ORT’s connection to Colegio UE Moral y Luces not only symbolizes a renewal in educational commitments but also serves as a beacon of hope for rebuilding efforts in the wake of disaster. As they embark on this new journey together, both the school and the broader Jewish community can find encouragement in knowing they now belong to a global tapestry of support and shared values, united in pursuing excellence and innovation for generations to come.