ORT, Jerusalem Convention

ORT, Jerusalem Convention
Medal, 5732-1972

ORT (Russian initials for "The Organization for Jewish Rehabilitation by Training and Work") was founded in Russia in 1880. Following World War I ORT was active mostly in the Eastern European countries. The World Union of ORT was established in 1921 with its seat in Geneva. Since 1949 ORT has been active in Israel as well. In October 1972 "The Women's ORT National Conference" held its meeting in Jerusalem. A special medal was issued marking the dedication of the new ORT building in Jerusalem.

Obverse: In the center, above the ORT emblem. On the right section of the medal is the sun shining. From the rays emerge figures representing the subjects taught at ORT schools such as electricity, electronics, mechanics and metallurgy. From all the symbols the figure of a young man is seen leaping forward. Below is an inscription in Hebrew, "Great is a vocation". The English translation follows marking the source "Bet Hamidrash Yalink 111:127".

Reverse: Above to the left, a Hebrew inscription in raised letters "ORT Jerusalem". In the center is a lad standing on a rock holding a model of a building. The model is surrounded by an English inscription "ORT School of Engineering, Jerusalem". Below the model is the name of the designer in English "Karen Worth" and the issue date "5732-1972".

Edge: On 3,290 bronze medals the word "Israel" in Hebrew and English. The silver medals bear "Silver 935" in Hebrew and "Silver" in English. On an additional 1,000 bronze medals there is an English inscription "Women's American ORT Jerusalem Board Conference 1972". These are numbered.

Serialization: Bronze - 1-1000. Silver - 1-70.

Designer: Karen Worth (U.S.).

Engraving: Moshe Nov.

Mint: Mint Hecht.