​JNF-USA Partners with Jewish Federations to Send Teens to Israel

Dozens of American 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 October 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 partnered with the Jewish Federations of Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Greater Miami to send even more students on the volunteer opportunity of a lifetime this July. Limited financial aid for Palm Beach County students is available, and the Broward Federation will also provide subsidies to assist with travel expenses for local teens.

“Jewish Federation of Broward County is proud to partner with Alexander Muss High School in Israel and Jewish National Fund-USA to offer high school students in our area the opportunity to demonstrate their connection to Israel through volunteer experiences at this critical time in our people’s history,” said Jewish Federation of Broward County Chief Jewish Education Officer, Arnold Samlan. “Muss began over 50 years ago right here in South Florida, and we are excited to have them as our provider of teen volunteer programming this summer.”

With a packed itinerary for students ages 15-17, immersing themselves in their Jewish heritage while taking part in meaningful, healing experiences in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and southern Israel, and led by some of Israel’s leading educators, South Florida teens 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, hearing from relatives of those who died in the attacks and soldiers who have fought in Gaza, as well as visiting important memorial sites like Hostages Square and the infamous 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, who both participated in the spring Teen Volunteer in 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 in Israel experience for American teens that was founded in 1972 by local Rabbi, Morris Kipper (z”l). Students will spend nights on Muss’ beautiful campus in Be’er Sheva, and Muss professionals, as well as security personnel, will accompany the students on their scheduled activities during the day.

“It’s wonderful to see the South Florida community united on the important issues of teen engagement with Israel and giving students the opportunity to make a difference,” said Miami Muss Chair, Bob Werner. “The ability for students to get hands-on experience personally transforming Israel creates a connection far beyond your typical Israel studies class.”

“For over 50 years, we have created safe, meaningful, and enjoyable programming that gives students leadership skills and a lasting bond with the land and people of Israel,” added Miami-Dade Muss Chair Michele Scheck. “The volunteer mission is an incredible way to deepen that bond while also supporting the rebuilding of the Jewish State.”

Over 10,000 South Florida teens have attended Muss since its inception. Many of these students return to the U.S. with a powerful desire to advocate for the land and people of Israel and become leaders of their Jewish communities in college and beyond.

Muss will also be hosting a Teen Volunteer in Israel Mission in August 2024.

For more information or to register, visit jnf.org/teenvolunteeril or contact Muss at discover@amhsi.org.