How a high school study abroad adventure connected me to Israel for life
February 18, 2026
By By LEAH BOLOTINA for Jewish Community Voice.
Before attending Alexander Muss High School in Israel, I had never been to Israel. I didn’t have any relatives living there, so most of what I “knew” about Israel came from the news — and unfortunately, much of that was filled with hate, misinformation, and fear. Because of that, I didn’t fully understand the country, the people, and its deep connection to my own identity.
