After four weeks in Israel, nearly 100 American high school students recently returned from summer sessions at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), where they participated in programs focused on Jewish history, Israeli culture, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Muss is a comprehensive study abroad program that allows high school students to experience Israel not as visitors, but as active participants in its history, people, and future. The summer sessions were divided into three tracks: Classic, Explore and Entrepreneurship, each designed to deepen students’ understanding of Israel from different perspectives.
Muss Classic focused on the events and people that shaped Jewish history at the places where they unfolded. By connecting the past with modern-day Israel, students explored themes of resilience, engaged in volunteering and gained a deeper understanding of their place within Jewish history. From studying at historic sites to preparing meals for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers alongside Basma, the owner of a kosher Druze restaurant, the students connected their studies with the realities of Israel today.
“Muss turned Jewish history from something I learned about into something I experienced,” said Myles G. from Pound Ridge, N.Y. “I left with a stronger connection to Israel, the Tanach and my Jewish identity.”
Muss Explore immersed students in the history, traditions and culture of Israel. Through conversations with IDF soldiers and Nova Music Festival survivors and a visit to the Atlit Detention Camp, a Jewish National Fund-USA-supported heritage site where thousands of Jewish immigrants were imprisoned during the British Mandate upon arriving in Israel, the students learned about Israel’s resilience. Visits to various historical sites allowed them to learn more about Israel’s people, history and diverse cultures. Five Israeli students also joined for 10 days, allowing the American and Israeli students to build relationships and experience Israel together.
“I’m so grateful to have spent my summer in Israel traveling the country while meeting my best friends,” said Zoe C. of Potomac, Md. “Being in Israel now more than ever was so meaningful and being able to do it with Jewish teens from across the U.S. made it much more special.”
Muss Entrepreneurship introduced students to Israel through the lens of innovation, allowing them to think creatively and collaboratively and to turn ideas into solutions while learning about entrepreneurship in Israel. Working alongside Israeli students and learning from Israeli entrepreneurs and business leaders, students developed and pitched their own startup concepts while building practical leadership and problem-solving skills.
Back in their school communities, students brought home new perspectives and a deeper connection to Jewish life. For many participants, the summer offered an opportunity to learn about Israel not just through their studies, but through the people and communities they encountered.
“My summer at Muss was an incredible experience where I learned so much about the people, culture and history of Israel that I wouldn’t be able to understand without being there,” said Eli A. of Bellevue, Wash. “It was inspiring to see how strong the people of Israel are despite everything and back home I’m going to share my experiences with others to give them an idea of what Israel is really like.”
Muss Summer is a RootOne-affiliated trip. RootOne helps expand access to and enhance the Israel experiences of thousands of Jewish teens each year. Participants in affiliated programs are eligible to receive vouchers of up to $3,600 to help offset program costs and complete educational coursework prior to travel. RootOne is seeded through a grant from The Marcus Foundation and powered by The Jewish Education Project. Visit RootOne.org for more information. Other forms of financial aid are also available.
Applications for Summer 2027 and School Year 2027-28 are now open.
For more information about Alexander Muss High School in Israel, visit: www.amhsi.org or email discover@amhsi.org.
