How a Summer in Israel Strengthened My Jewish Identity

By Scarlett Kramer, Alumna, Alexander Muss High School in Israel Summer 2026 

The day before I left for Israel on my Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) summer program, I was honestly very nervous but super excited. I didn’t know a single person going on the trip and the thought of being so far away from my family was scary. Nevertheless, within five minutes of meeting up at the Newark airport for the group flight, I met who would become two of my best friends Nina and Sophia.  

Throughout the summer there wasn’t one tiyul (field trip) that I didn’t love, but my favorite was definitely when we traveled to the Golan Heights and learned about the 1973 Yom Kippur War. It was empowering being able to be in the exact spot where my ancestors once fought and persevered for their homeland. We were able to walk through the underground tunnels and go into the Tel Saki bunker where 28 soldiers, who were surrounded by Syrian forces, had to hide, remaining completely silent and still. These soldiers were trapped for 36 hours without food, water, or medical supplies. Although the battles we fight today as a community aren’t nearly the same, it was just an extra reminder to keep persevering and that if anyone can do it WE CAN. 

From left to right: Nina Weiner and Scarlett Kramer at the Kinneret. Photo courtesy of Scarlett Kramer.

While I have always been a proud Jew, my time at Muss deepened that pride in ways I never could’ve imagined. From visiting the Kotel to sitting at the Nova site hearing and reading about the different experiences our people had, being in Israel showed me how important it is to continue my legacy and maintain the tradition of Judaism for generations to come.  

My wish for Colorado teens is to educate as many of them as possible on what Muss is and what the experience entails. I hope that in the future, all Jewish teens will have the opportunity to witness Muss’ impact firsthand, and discover the same sense of connection, pride, and belonging I found during my time there. A part of me will forever remain in Israel and I can’t wait to go back to Hod HaSharon again.  

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Scarlett Kramer is a high school student at Rock Canyon High School and an alumna of Alexander Muss High School in Israel, the premier study abroad in Israel experience for American teens. Through fully accredited academics, experiential Israel education, leadership development, and immersive campus life, Muss helps students grow into confident, resilient, and independent young leaders. Applications for Summer 2027 and School Year 2027-2028 are now open. For more information about Alexander Muss High School in Israel, visit amhsi.org email [email protected]