This past week was a roller coaster of emotions, from praying at the Kotel to hiking in beautiful mountains, then learning about the tragedies that happened on October 7 and bonding over them. While I visit Israel almost every year for two months, I’ve never seen Israel like I have just this past week at Muss. Learning about so many different perspectives, hearing so many stories, and seeing so many places in just one week with lifelong friends I made is an amazing experience that I feel so lucky to be a part of.

Ben Benshoushan is a 17-year-old student attending Chesapeake Science Point High School.