Submitted by JNF
For most people, an ongoing war is a reason to stay away. Yet, for 20 American teens, they realized that they had to stand up and make a difference for the land and people of Israel. The students traveled 6,000 miles to Israel to participate in Jewish National Fund-USA’s Teen Volunteer Mission, where they trekked across the country to make a tangible difference in the lives of Israelis affected by the October 7 terrorist attacks.
Whether making care packages for Israeli soldiers or visiting children at rehabilitation facilities, the high school students brought relief and joy to a country in desperate need of both. One highlight was a visit to an Israeli farm, where the students got their hands dirty planting and harvesting crops, something of extreme importance given the country’s labor shortage.
“While in America, I knew I wanted to do something hands-on to support Israel,” said Spencer, who participated in the mission. “Once I arrived in Israel on this mission, I knew I was part of something special. We not only had a positive impact on the people there, but the mission had a profound impact on me.”
In addition to supporting Israel, the mission also served as an educational experience, providing participants with a firsthand view of the realities Israel faces every day.
Each stop in Israel’s south showed how close Israel’s adversaries were to its borders, while a visit to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv served as a stark reminder of the families that still haven’t been made whole. And yet, despite the tragedy, the students’ main impression was to be in awe of the resilience and unity of everyday Israelis, who have banded together like never before.
“One of the most impactful things that we noticed on this trip was the sense of togetherness and strength of the people,” said Micah and Shir, also mission attendees. “Everywhere we walked, there were stickers, signs, and posters supporting Israel. We saw signs next to ice cream shops and on the side of the highway, simply there to remind people that we will prevail and win, just as we have in the past. Our people are so strong, and the signs are visible reminders of that.”
During the trip, the students also volunteered with organizations that provide food, clothing, and emergency relief to tens of thousands of Israeli children and their families each year. They also visited Kibbutz Re’im, the site of the October 7 massacre at the Nova Music Festival, where the students mourned the over 400 innocent lives lost at the hands of Hamas.
Between traveling through and working in the land of Israel, students spent nights at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), Jewish National Fund-USA’s college prep, study abroad in Israel experience. For the many mission participants who spent part of the Fall 2023 semester at Muss before the war cut it short, the overnights were a homecoming.
For those Muss alumni, the mission was not the first time they had explored Israel. Muss’ experiential Israel studies program uses the land of Israel as a living and breathing classroom, and participants routinely visit the historical and modern sites they learn about in class. However, being an active participant in improving the land of Israel, as opposed to merely learning about it, was a completely different form of inspiration.
“Teen tours, missions, and educational opportunities like Muss are incredibly impactful,” said Jewish National Fund-USA National Campaign Vice President and Muss Community Engagement Chair, Nina Paul. “At a time where college students are facing an increase in antisemitism on their campuses, we need to arm our teens with the facts about Israel. There is no better way than to get them to Israel to experience and learn firsthand.”
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., Nina and Eddie Paul will be hosting a Dessert Reception in Cincinnati, where attendees will learn more about Alexander Muss High School in Israel and upcoming teen volunteer missions in Israel, hearing from both local lay leaders and Muss alumni who will discuss how their semester abroad altered their life trajectory.
To learn more or to register for the reception, visit the JNF website.
