JNF-USA and Jewish federations send teenage volunteers to Israel

Dozens of American high school students will volunteer in Israel this summer, picking produce on farms whose workforces have been decimated, participating in community service initiatives, preparing care packages for soldiers and displaced families and granting acts of kindness to the people of Israel following the war. Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7.

Following its first teen volunteer mission to Israel last spring, the Jewish National Fund-USA's Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) partnered with the Broward County, Greater Miami and County Jewish Federations from Palm Beach to send even more students. about the volunteer opportunity of a lifetime this July. The Broward Federation will provide grants to help cover travel costs for local teens and limited financial aid for Palm Beach County students is also available.

“The Jewish Federation of Broward County is proud to partner with Alexander Muss High School in Israel and the Jewish National Fund-USA to provide high school students in our area the opportunity to demonstrate their connection to Israel through volunteer experiences at this critical moment in the history of our people. said Arnold Samlan, director of Jewish education for the Jewish Federation of Broward County. “Muss started more than 50 years ago right here in South Florida, and we are thrilled to have them among our teen volunteer program providers this summer.”

With a packed itinerary for students ages 15-17, immersing themselves in their Jewish heritage while participating in meaningful healing experiences in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and southern Israel, and led by some of the best educators of Israel, South Florida teens will leave transformed by this journey of a lifetime to support the Jewish homeland during one of its most difficult times.

Students will also gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of the war and the many ways it has affected Israelis, by listening to relatives of those who died in the attacks and soldiers who fought in Gaza, as well as visiting important memorial sites such as the Place des Hostages. and the infamous site of the Nova music festival.

“Showing up for our people and our country is something we are very grateful for the opportunity to do, and we encourage each of you to do the same, in whatever way you may show up. it is a donation, volunteering or a trip to Israel. said Micah and Shir, who both participated in the Teen Volunteers' spring mission to Israel. “Israel is 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 led by Muss, the Jewish National Fund of the United States' college prep organization for study abroad in Israel for American teenagers, founded in 1972 by local Rabbi Morris Kipper (z”l). Students will spend the night on the beautiful Muss campus in Beersheba, and Muss professionals, as well as security personnel, will accompany students in their scheduled activities during the day.

“It is wonderful to see the South Florida community united on the important issues of teen engagement in Israel and giving students the opportunity to make a difference,” said Bob Werner, president of Miami Muss . “The opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience personally transforming Israel creates a connection far beyond your typical Israel studies course. »

“For more than 50 years, we have created safe, meaningful and enjoyable programs that give students leadership skills and a lasting connection to the land and people of Israel,” added Michele Scheck, president of Miami-Dade Muss. “The volunteer mission is an incredible way to deepen this connection while supporting the rebuilding of the Jewish state. »

More than 10,000 South Florida teens have attended Muss since its inception. Many of these students return to the United States with a powerful desire to defend the land and people of Israel and to become leaders of their Jewish communities in college and beyond. Muss will also host a teenage volunteer mission to Israel in August 2024.

For more information or to register, visit jnf.org/teenvolunteeril or contact Muss at [email protected].