Many Gann alumni count their class trip to Israel among their top high school memories. The Class of 2025 is currently on their journey, enjoying the moments and creating the memories that will come to mind when they think of their own high school days.
During their first week in Israel, seniors explored the Golan Heights, Tzfat, the Galilee, and Haifa. At Tel Saki—an extinct volcano and the site of one of the most dramatic battles of the Yom Kippur War—Yoni Michanie, Gann’s Director of Israel Education, taught students about the 1973 conflict and its lasting impact.
The group then moved on to Tel Aviv, where they visited Kikar Hachatufim (Hostages Square) to honor the Israelis taken hostage on October 7. They toured Tel Aviv’s vibrant street art scene and created their own pieces during a hands-on graffiti workshop. That evening, they welcomed Shabbat with seniors from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD, sharing music, conversation, and a sense of connection.
Week two in Israel found the Class of 2025 rappelling into Makhtesh Ramon, touring the ANU Museum of the Jewish People, swimming in the Red Sea, and making a surprise stop at an alpaca farm. In Yerucham, they shared a home-cooked meal with local families, who told personal stories of immigration to Israel during the country’s early years.
In week three, the group visited Jerusalem, paying their respects to Holocaust victims at Yad Vashem, praying at the Western Wall, and touring the Old City. In their fourth and final week in Israel, they will go on a geopolitical tour of the city and spend Yom Yerushalayim on the beach before heading back to Boston.
Maayan D.-C. ’25 shared this poignant reflection, illustrating the enormous impact Gann’s myIsrael trip has on students:
“We climbed Har Tzfachot, our most intense hike yet. As we continued along the path, an unexpected incline appeared. From the back of the group, I could see my classmates—along with myself—struggling. Yet, what stood out to me most wasn’t the challenge, but rather the students who had already reached the top turned back to cheer the rest of us on. While it might seem like a small gesture, hearing that support from my peers made a meaningful difference—it was uplifting, motivating, and deeply appreciated. At that very moment when I reached the top, I looked around and saw the rest of my grade sweaty, smiling and in awe of what we all just accomplished, together.”