Alexander Muss High School in Israel has been one of the most influential experiences I have ever had. I have learned so much about my heritage, Israel, and mostly myself. I wanted to be a better version of myself, seizing this opportunity to learn and expand my horizons.

One of the major changes I have seen in myself since coming to Israel is a change in my social behaviors. Before, I often found it difficult to empathize with others and provide adequate emotional support for my friends. However, since being here at HSI, I am surrounded by people all day everyday. Because of this, I have had to learn when to be there for people and when to give them space. I have learned when it is appropriate to say certain things and when to keep them to myself. Most importantly, I have learned to forgive quickly and not hold grudges, as my classmates and I are stuck together for better or for worse. I am not complaining about this, as the group now feels like my family more than anything else. I love them to the point where I often find myself missing them more than I miss my friends from Miami when I am away from them for 24 hours on open Shabbatot.

Another significant change I have seen in myself since coming to Israel is my view on Israeli politics. I came to Israel not knowing much about its internal politics or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which I now believe was overall beneficial. Coming with a clean slate allowed me to learn about Israeli politics through experiencing living in Israel and speaking with Israelis who experience its effects everyday, rather than through the clouded lens of third party opinions. I strongly identify with the liberal movement in America, and I have now learned that many of my views on Israeli politics do not align as such. Had I researched Israeli politics in more detail when I was still in America, I probably would have adjusted my views to conform to those of the liberal movement. I am glad that being in Israel has given me the opportunity to learn and develop my own opinions separate from pressures to identify with a certain side. Even though we are now in the homestretch of the program, I cannot wait to continue learning about Israel.