Dozens of U.S. high school students will be volunteering in Israel this summer; picking produce in farms whose workforces were decimated; participating in community-service initiatives, making care packages for soldiers and displaced families; and bestowing acts of kindness upon the people of Israel following the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7.
In the wake of its inaugural teen volunteer in Israel mission this past spring, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) has opened a limited number of spots for multiple teen volunteer opportunities taking place in May, July and August.
With a packed itinerary for students ages 15 to 17, the teens will immerse themselves in their Jewish heritage while taking part in meaningful, healing experiences in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and southern Israel. Led by some of Israel’s leading educators, students will come away transformed by this trip of a lifetime supporting the Jewish homeland during one of its most challenging times.
Students will also gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of the war and the many ways it has affected Israelis. They will hear from relatives of those who died in the attacks and soldiers who have fought in the Gaza Strip, as well as visit important memorial sites like Hostages Square and the site of the Nova music festival.
“Showing up for our people and our country is something we are so grateful to have the opportunity to do, and we encourage each and every one of you to do the same in whatever way presents itself, whether donating, volunteering, or traveling to Israel,” said Micah and Shir, two students from Long Island, N.Y., who participated in the spring teen Israel mission. “Israel serves as a testament to our people and the enduring nature of our religion, and we have a duty to ensure that it continues to thrive for generations to come.”
The volunteer missions are run by Muss—Jewish National Fund-USA’s college-prep, study-abroad program for American teens. Students will spend nights on its beautiful new campus in Beersheva, and Muss professionals, as well as security personnel, will accompany the students on their scheduled activities during the day.
“In addition to our life-altering semester abroad program, Muss is proud to organize the teen volunteer missions to Israel,” said Muss’s head of school, Dr. Stephen Kutno. “The ability for students to get their hands dirty rebuilding Israel creates a bond that cannot be replicated in an American classroom. We have a proven track record of creating safe, meaningful, and enjoyable experiences that give students a sense of purpose and a lasting connection with the land and people of Israel.”
Jewish National Fund-USA is also offering a parent-teen volunteer in Israel mission in August for those looking to make their mission a family event. It will offer similar hands-on volunteering and educational experiences with a modified itinerary.
“The parent-teen mission represents the unique opportunity to connect with your heritage in multiple ways,” said Muss president Ron Werner. “I can attest that to work the land, meet the people, and make a difference in our ancestral homeland with your child or parent is a memory that will be shared at birthdays, anniversaries and reunions for years to come.”
For more information or to register, visit: jnf.org/teenvolunteeril or contact Muss at: discover@amhsi.org.
