ORTRA celebrates a rich and colorful history. First founded in 1966 by the late Zvi Gelfand, ORTRA was established under the name of Daphna Knassim. As ORTRA's original founder and President, Zvi developed one of Israel's leading Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs) and tourism companies in the country.
Born in Germany in 1922, Zvi immigrated to Israel in 1938. He volunteered in the British army in 1941, and from 1949-1961, served as an officer in the Israel Defense Forces. When Zvi entered Israel's conference management industry in 1966, Daphna Knassim was considered the most recognized and most respected organization of its kind in the country. In 1982, the company became ORTRA Ltd. owned and managed by Zvi.
One of the industry’s pioneers in Israel, and a strong advocate of professionalism and expertise, Zvi was one of the founding members of ICCA's Israel chapter and involved in numerous activities of the society's Mediterranean chapter. Throughout his 40 years of professional service, Zvi orchestrated countless local and international congresses, conferences, seminars, incentives and exhibitions in the fields of science, technology, medicine, religion, and tourism.
Zvi's legacy and love of Israel lives on in this unique family-run business, now managed by his sons, Lior and Yaron Gelfand.