When we understand our history, we stand with Israel through thick and thin.
On my most recent trip to Israel, I was reminded of the deep connection between our ancient past and vibrant future.
While it was a great privilege to walk the land, meet the people, and witness the life-changing work of Jewish National Fund-USA, this reflection goes beyond just my experience. It is about our collective Jewish story, generations young and old, moments of peace and crisis. It is about standing up for and loving Israel at any moment. Even the ones that don’t make the postcard.
That attitude was exemplified to me at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss). The 14- to 17-year-old students I met there amazed me. They travelled more than 3,000 miles for a semester abroad experience—many having never been to Israel before—and for more than half, neither have their parents. Yet they came, eager to strengthen their academic studies, expand their horizons, learn to be independent adults, and immerse themselves in 4,000 years of history exactly where it unfolded.
Muss students hiking in the Negev Desert. (Credit: JNF-USA)
One young woman told me it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was her first time in Israel. She had climbed to reach the summit of the ancient Jewish fortress of Masada, where, 2,000 years ago, our ancestors were overwhelmed by enemy attacks. The world thought that was the end of our story. But wow, did we prove them wrong.
“And here I am,” she said, “a 15-year-old from Massachusetts. I am here. I am strong. I believe. I get to go back home and tell our story.”
As I write this, Israel is once again under attack. Sirens blare. Families rush to shelters. Breaking news broadcasts illuminate television screens. It would be easy for outsiders to become disenchanted with a country where normal life is so often interrupted, where dark times don’t seem to improve. But, as that incredible young woman witnessed on the peak of Masada, our history is filled with triumphs and tribulations. Despite impossible odds, we persevere.
In that moment, she wasn’t just learning history. She was becoming part of it.
At the end of the trip, I traveled with a group of Jewish National Fund-USA leaders, visiting projects from North to South, and meeting the people shaping our vision for tomorrow. Among them was one of my favorite people: Phyllis, 89 years young.
Phyllis was around to witness the founding of the modern State of Israel, along with all its conflicts. She could have easily become exhausted by the cycles of calm and chaos, but she came with enthusiasm, her feet on the ground of her homeland.
At our closing dinner, Phyllis stood beside the high school students from Muss who had just walked our ancient history. And in that moment, I saw something powerful.
In one moment stood the past and the future of the Jewish people. In one gathering, the eyes of an 89-year-old filled with wisdom, memory, and decades of devotion to Israel, paired with the smiles of teenagers filled with belief, strength, and Zionism.
Some might only see Israel as a war zone. Some might only find it interesting for the beaches and parties. But the ones who truly care about Israel embrace it for everything it is, all at once. Whether a baby boomer or gen alpha, that kind of person is what has helped the Jewish people survive and persevere for thousands of years.
Even if it’s hard to put into words, we all know: Our love for Israel is here. It is strong.
This is our moment.
To show your support for the land and people of Israel in times of uncertainty, sign up for our April 24, 2026 Shabbat for Israel in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. You can choose to host a shabbat dinner in your home, synagogue, or anywhere you like to gather.
Can’t host or join a dinner? Support our work for the land and people of Israel here. To learn more about Alexander Muss High School in Israel, click here.
Russell Robinson is CEO of Jewish National Fund-USA.
Russell F. Robinson is JNF’s chief executive officer. Under his leadership, JNF has developed successful far-reaching programs that play a significant role in the quality of life for all Israelis, such as community development, environmental work, sustainable development of the Negev, and solutions for Israel’s water crisis.