Neighbor News
How a High School Study Abroad Adventure Connected Me to Israel for Life
By Leah Bolotina, Cherry Hill high school student and alumna, Alexander Muss High School in Israel
Before attending Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), I had never been to Israel. I didn’t have any relatives living there, so most of what I “knew” about Israel came from the news — and unfortunately, much of that was filled with hate, misinformation, and fear. Because of that, I didn’t fully understand the country, the people, and its deep connection to my own identity.
Nevertheless, I decided to explore 4,000+ years of Jewish and Israeli history right where it happened in the spring of 2025, despite not knowing anyone, and it's truly hard for me to put into words how impactful this experience was.
I walked in the footsteps of my ancestors on Israeli soil and hiked in places where my ancestors once were, which deepened my connection and understanding of the land and people of Israel. I was fortunate enough to spend my sweet 16 in Israel, and it's something that I will never forget. From staying in a Bedouin tent in the Negev after a nine-hour hike, to riding camels, and eventually making our way down to Eilat. It wasn’t just information anymore — it was alive.
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Being in Israel, meeting the people, hearing their stories, and witnessing their resilience inspired me to become more involved in standing up for Israel and for the Jewish people. The experience made me stronger, more resilient, more confident, and more passionate and proud of my homeland and my Zionist identity.
I returned home changed. I gained independence and confidence in myself that I carry with me every day. Since coming back, I feel a constant pull toward Israel. I go to sleep thinking about it, and I wake up thinking about it. It has become a part of who I am.
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I will be eternally grateful for attending this program, and I thank everyone who made it possible for me and hundreds of other kids like me to participate.
Leah Bolotina is a student at Cherry Hill High School East in New Jersey. To learn more about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel, visit amhsi.org.
