Ohr Torah Stone | Features | Newsletter Winter 2002

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OTS Newsletter - Winter 2002

New Director General for OTS

THE NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL of Ohr Torah Stone, Yinon Ahiman, is a strong believer in education as a catalyst for change. He speaks animatedly about long-term plans for OTS and its role in Jewish society. "There is no better time than now to invest in educational systems that will impact Israel's future," he declares. "OTS is uniquely positioned, by virtue of its Modern Orthodox philosophy, to push forward social change and to promote the values of tolerance, openness and unity in synthesis with Torah values. I am excited and optimistic about this challenging opportunity to bring issues of Jewish identity and unity to the forefront of public debate."

Yinon, whose appointment is effective December 2002, replaces Benny Brama, who served as OTS Director General since 1988. His acceptance of the position is a result of his familiarity with OTS's excellence. "The combined faculty of OTS is an incredible asset," he enthuses. "The high level of education in all of our institutions is a testament to our educators' skills and devotion." One of Yinon's immediate goals is to encourage a greater cooperation between OTS's myriad institutions. "Our aims are idealistic, and they can only be achieved if we work together like a family," says the father of eight.

No stranger to the demands of a large and multi-faceted organization, Yinon comes to OTS from the Jewish Quarter Development Company, where, as Chief Executive Officer, he greatly increased tourism to the Old City, including initiating restoration of the famous Burnt House Museum and clearing the way for reconstruction of the Hurva synagogue.

Yinon holds a teaching certificate, a law degree from Hebrew University, and a Masters in Public Administration from Clark University of Massachusetts. His public management career began in 1985, when he was elected mayor of Efrat. The position turned into a fifteen-year consecutive term, during which time the city saw unprecedented growth from 550 to 7,000 residents. Yinon's vision ensured that proper foundations were built - in education, the public and religious spheres, local council infrastructure and economic development - to allow for the city's long-term expansion. Today, Efrat is considered the capital city of Gush Etzion. In much of his work, Yinon has been inspired by his father, who was one of the original founders of the Etzion Bloc community both in 1943 and 1967, and continues to live with his wife in Efrat today. Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, founder and Chancellor of OTS, is delighted to be reunited with Ahiman. "Yinon and I were partners on behalf of Efrat for years," he recalls. "I've always been impressed with his unique blend of educational, organizational and leadership skills, and have the utmost faith that he will bring OTS into the future at this pivotal moment in our history."

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