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(Photo courtesy: Muss Family)
Stephen Muss believed that true greatness lies not in what we build for ourselves, but in the legacy we leave for generations to come.
The visionary businessman and philanthropist, who passed away on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the age of 97, was known throughout South Florida as the titan who helped revitalize Miami Beach and a major contributor to the enormous hotel growth seen today in Miami-Dade County.
Muss also will always be remembered as a steadfast supporter of various Jewish causes, including Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI), which has transformed the lives of over 35,000 high school students, including 10,000 from the South Florida region, turning them into powerful advocates for the land and people of Israel and into leaders of Jewish communities nationwide.
“When I learned of Muss’ passing early Sunday morning, I wept not only for the loss of a remarkable individual, but for the loss of a guiding light of the Jewish People,” said Dr. Stephen Kutno, AMHSI head of school. “While I did not have the privilege of knowing Stephen personally, our lives, and all the lives at AMHSI, are deeply intertwined with his. Without Stephen Muss, our school, our students, our alumni, and our community would not be what they are today. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of AMHSI.”
Muss first got involved with AMHSI in 1980, when the school was called “High School in Israel.” After donating a significant philanthropic gift, the school was renamed in honor of Stephen’s father. For years, Muss remained one of AMHSI’s biggest supporters, even serving as chair for nine years. Muss also helped spearhead the partnership between AMHSI and Jewish National Fund-USA in 2014, which helped significantly expand AMHSI’s reach.
“Stephen Muss was a dreamer, a visionary, and an incredibly charitable man,” said Ron Werner, AMHSI chair and president emeritus. “Stephen believed wholeheartedly in our mission to educate Jewish adolescents. For many years, he would write a check to AMHSI for whatever the operating costs were. He didn’t want a ceremony or a plaque; he just did it because he cared. Stephen leaves behind a legacy that he and his loved ones can be proud of.”
Through his decades of leadership and philanthropy with AMHSI, Muss ensured that thousands of Jewish American teens could experience a transformative semester abroad in Israel, learning their history in the land where it unfolded and forging lifelong bonds with Israel and the Jewish People.
“Muss’ strength and commitment to our school knew no bounds,” added Joel Reinstein, AMHSI Board member. “He was always there; our living safety net. His vision and love for our school was the constant that kept us on track when times were tough. Stephen knew that the merger of our school with Jewish National Fund-USA was necessary; Stephen made this happen. I will deeply miss this giant of a man. I will always remember his dedication and love for AMHSI.”
Recently, AMHSI opened a second campus in Be’er Sheva, fulfilling a lifelong dream of Muss.
“Muss’ vision was that we would have multiple AMHSI campuses, educating thousands of students a year and instilling Jewish and Zionist values to ensure that we had a Jewish future and a strong Israel,” Werner added.
In addition to his support for AMHSI, Muss’ philanthropy extended throughout the entire Miami area. He previously served as board chair of Temple Emanu-El and on the board of the Miami Art Museum. Muss was the founder of the Stephen Muss Foundation, which provides grants to Jewish agencies, temples, and schools. Muss also received the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Friend of Israel humanitarian award for his giving efforts in the community.
A loving grandfather, dedicated father, brilliant businessman, and generous philanthropist, Stephen Muss will be truly missed.
In memory of Stephen Muss, a donation page has been set up for Alexander Muss High School in Israel. To support, visit my.jnf.org/memorial/stephenmuss.
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