Equipped to Lead: How a Semester in Israel Changed Everything for Two Arizona Teens

Ariella Ilyinsky and Meital Rothschild were familiar with Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) long before they ever applied.

Ariella’s older sister had spent a semester there several years earlier, returning home with stories that left a lasting impression. Ariella found herself recalling these stories when she transitioned from her private Jewish day school to her local public high school in Scottsdale, Ariz., adjusting to a new environment where Jewish life was no longer part of her daily routine. The shift was immediately noticeable.

“I’ve never felt ashamed to be Jewish,” she said. “But I was often the one explaining basic things about Judaism and Israel to other kids. It was exhausting in a way I didn’t fully realize.”

Enter Muss, Jewish National Fund-USA’s college-prep, study abroad in Israel adventure for American teens. Inspired by her sister’s experience, Ariella jumped at the opportunity to reconnect with her Jewish roots.

Meital, on the other hand, knew about Muss thanks to her mother, Stacy Palestrant, who also attended the program and, with her parents and siblings, created the Palestrant Family Arizona Scholarship Fund. Growing up in a proud Zionist household in Phoenix and seeing her mother’s passion for Muss inspired Meital to experience it for herself.

“I had heard only good things; stories about how life-changing it was and the incredible friends they made,” she said. “I wanted to take the opportunity to do something new.”

Palestrant, who is also a National Muss Board Member, explained that the scholarship, which is available to any Arizona student accepted to Muss, is her family’s way of paying it forward. “We all shared the experience of Muss and understood how meaningful it was,” she said. “We wanted to help make that possible for other local students.”

Among those students was Ariella, who applied for and received a Palestrant Scholarship. According to Irina Ilyinsky, Ariella’s mother, the financial aid was crucial in enabling her daughter to spend the semester in Israel.

“Scholarships were critical for us,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful. Without that support, it would have been much harder to send her to Muss.”

Other forms of national and regional scholarships are also available to teens, including the Adam & Lori Miller Merit Scholarship.

“Arizona students are very fortunate,” added Stacy. “There are many ways to help cover the cost of tuition.”

Living and Learning in Israel

Once in Israel, Ariella and Meital found that Muss was more than just a study-abroad program — it was a transformative journey that inspired their lifelong Zionist identity, reigniting and deepening their passion for Judaism, Israel, and learning. “Muss was such a special learning environment,” said Ariella. “It had small classes and people who genuinely want to learn, and I didn’t realize how much I missed Hebrew and Jewish classes.”

They noted, however, that Jewish education at Muss felt entirely different from what they were used to. The program’s experiential Israel studies curriculum utilizes the land of Israel as a living classroom, linking learning, travel, and leadership so that participants remain connected to the land and people of Israel from generation to generation. For Ariella and Meital, that approach made history feel immediate and personal.

“In Arizona, we sat in a classroom,” Ariella explained. “In Israel, we learned on mountaintops, dug at archaeological sites, and met people who were connected to the history we were learning about.”

“What touched me most was that each trip came with something meaningful to internalize,” added Meital. “For example, when we learned about David and Goliath, we were standing in a field off the side of a highway where the battle supposedly happened. We reflected on how, as Jews today, we can choose to stand up for ourselves even when facing seemingly greater powers.”

Ever the dutiful mom, Irina wanted to ensure that her daughter stayed on track academically. Thanks to Muss’s rigorous, accredited general studies programming and dedicated faculty, that was never an issue.

“Parents worry about sending their kids away and missing SAT or ACT prep, but Muss prepares your kid for college better than any semester in America,” she said. “Ariella even came back ahead in many of her classes.”

Beyond the academics, Irina was struck by Ariella’s development throughout the semester. “She grew so much,” she said. “Seeing photos of her hiking, seeing her on a friend’s shoulders celebrating the release of the final living hostage – it was all incredibly emotional. Israel changed her. It solidified her bond with her people and heritage.”

Stacy saw a similar transformation in her daughter. “All the things people say about Muss alumni gaining independence and maturity are true” she said noting her daughter’s development. “Stepping outside her normal routine gave her a new perspective on life in Phoenix versus her experience in Israel.”

Returning with Pride

Since returning home, Ariella and Meital say they feel more confident, self-aware, and connected to their family history. “My opinions didn’t change, but my confidence in them increased,” said Meital. “It’s easier to advocate for Israel now that I’ve lived there and learned about it more in-depth. I feel equipped with both the knowledge and the experience.”

“My friends and I talked during the semester about how we were changing,” Ariella added. “I bonded with so many people, and I learned how to handle independence and time management. Israel is the best place to figure out who you are.”

Looking back, both parents agree that Muss is an experience every Jewish teen should consider.

“I wish I’d known about Muss when I was younger,” said Irina. “The education is incredible, and the friendships are priceless.”

“I believe in the Muss education and in what it can do for a student’s identity and pride in being Jewish,” added Stacy. “I want as many Arizona students as possible to attend. My whole family feels that way—we all had incredible experiences and want to share that with others.”

And their daughters concur.

“I was so happy with the people I met, the places we visited, and everything I learned,” said Meital, with Ariella adding, “I walked around Israel feeling at home. I was surrounded by inspirational people. It strengthened my connection to Israel and to who I am.”

To learn more about Alexander Muss High School or for more information about the Palestrant Family Arizona Scholarship Fund and other financial aid opportunities, visit amhsi.org or email discover@amhsi.org.