NEW YORK, September 26, 2025 — After weeks of immersive learning, service, and adventure, American high school students have returned home from Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s (Muss) Summer Connect program — bringing with them new friendships, leadership skills, and a strengthened bond with the land and people of Israel.
Against the backdrop of an unprecedented summer in Israel, the students participated in the three-week program at Muss, Jewish National Fund-USA’s college-prep, study abroad in Israel program for American teens, where they walked in the footsteps of Israel’s founders, explored historical and cultural sites from Jerusalem to the Galilee, and engaged with local communities, including those in Israel’s North and South.
“Attending Alexander Muss High School in Israel has transformed my Jewish identity and allowed me to embrace my connection with my homeland,” said Sophia M., a student from San Francisco. “The Muss program has expanded our curriculum from classroom content to real-world, immersive experiences. I truly wish I could stay in this program for years, not just weeks!”
Students at the top of Masada
Led by Muss educators, the students combined classroom learning with a unique experiential Israel studies program that uses the land of Israel as a living teaching space, offering students a unique opportunity to learn about history where it happened. The lessons were interspersed with plenty of opportunities to meet with Israelis of all walks of life, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the people of Israel.
“What struck me every time is the resilience of Israelis,” said Josh S., a New York student. “Just days before I arrived, people were in bomb shelters because of the war with Iran. But life here doesn’t pause. Israel bounces back full of energy and full of life.”
Now back home, students feel more equipped with the knowledge, skills, emotional resilience, and pride to combat antisemitism and spread the truth about the Israel that they witnessed for themselves.
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Muss students on campus in Hod Hasharon
“I came here alone,” said Memphis C., another student from New York. “Now I have friendships that will last forever. I've felt much more connected to Israel being there, and even more connected to my Jewish identity and seeing how Jews have always been able to push through, even when things are tragic and dark.”
Muss Summer is a proud RootOne-affiliated trip. RootOne helps expand access to and enhance the Israel experiences of thousands of Jewish teens each year. Participants on affiliated programs are eligible to receive vouchers of up to $3,000 to help offset program costs and complete engaging educational coursework prior to travel. RootOne is seeded through a generous grant by The Marcus Foundation and powered by The Jewish Education Project. Visit RootOne.org for more information. Other forms of financial aid are also available.
To learn more about Muss summer and semester programs, visit amhsi.org.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement. The organization’s circle of impact extends beyond individual projects, generating a ripple effect that drives population growth and economic development in Israel’s north and south. From developing new communities in the Negev and Galilee to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting people with disabilities, preserving heritage sites, and connecting the next generation to Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach ensures every initiative strengthens the fabric of Israeli society. The organization also operates the fully accredited Alexander Muss High School in Israel, offering an immersive study-abroad experience driven by academic excellence. Learn more at jnf.org.
