by Sunny Nayberg
When I was a young Russian-Israeli girl who had just immigrated to Metro-Detroit from Israel, I could not have predicted the deep passion that I would develop for educating and advocating for my ancestral homeland. I currently serve as the Midwest Israel Programs Admission Director with the Jewish National Fund (JNF-USA). Mypassion is now just a way of life,and I am excited to inspire my community’s next generation of future leaders.
I was born in Afula, Israel and moved to West Bloomfield when I was 13 years old. I have always been connected within the Jewish community, from being a Tamarack Camper, to later attending Wayne State University and being involved with Hillel of Metro-Detroit as well as taking part in the JOIN internship with JVS. All of these experiences helped me stay connected to my roots in Israel and made me feel at home.
Recently, I joined JNF-USA, where I have been able to live and breathe my passion for educating and advocating for Israel across the state of Michigan. One of my favorite programs that I am currently promoting in our community is Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), JNF-USA’s flagship study abroad in Israel program for high school students.
With five Michigan students spending either a semester or a summer program in Israel at Muss within the last two years, this study abroad experience focuses on academic excellence and is starting to gain traction within the Michigan Jewish community. With a unique educational experience that blends traditional high school classes with experiential learning that uses the land of Israel as a living and breathing classroom, Muss gives students an unforgettable experience they can take with them when they return home.
My advice to any high school student looking to enhance their college applications is simple: If you want to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate independence, leadership, and dedication to your community, a study abroad experience at Muss is for you!
For more information about Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) or the Jewish National Fund, contact Sunny Nayberg at snayberg@jnf.org