By Miriam Gershenson
SAN DIEGO — I attended the House of Palestine 22nd Annual Lawn Program- kind of. I was actually at the House of Israel with my husband making sure that there is support for our side. There was a lot of support. It was truly heartwarming to see so many community members around this tiny little building.
We went outside to check out what was happening. I felt secure, there were a lot of police officers (even the chief arrived!), and tons of private security. My husband and I felt safe to walk around to check out what is actually going on in the event.
We couldn’t see anything from the House of Israel because they put up big walls right in front of the House of Israel and placed a giant Palestinian flag there. As we walked around the area, we noticed that none of the other houses were blocked off. While these cultural buildings are not allowed to be political, building a wall blocking us, was clearly a political statement.
At one point, we had a man and woman from the other side come to the House of Israel. They did not go inside but they were in our courtyard and they were engaging in a debate with members of our community. My husband and I lingered close by just in case. One of the police officers made sure to also be very close to the situation. What was a nice surprise, it never went beyond a passionate and respectful debate between the parties involved.
Throughout the day and via various communications, I did learn that the Israeli American Council and the Jewish Federation of San Diego decided not to do a Yom Ha’Atzma’ut (Israel Independence Day) event with the House of Israel this year. I don’t know the rationale behind it but I do know that the volunteers on this day at the House of Israel were incredibly disappointed with both organizations. The general consensus is that they are going to the JCC to hide and be among those who already know and support instead of reaching a wider audience in a public park that can truly help in shaping the view of Jews and the current war. I can’t say that I disagree with the notion. All this to say, the House of Israel is looking for volunteers and donations so that it could put on its own event.
I later heard from Noy Nehardea, regional manager of the IAC in San Diego. She said the reasoning for moving the event to the JCC was to create a bigger event, explaining that it was felt that the lawn space in front of the House of Israel is limited with what can be done. By moving it to the JCC, she said, they are able to invite over 30 organizations to participate.
The House of Israel in Balboa Park, is a cultural and educational center that celebrates and promotes Jewish heritage and traditions. Located within the International Cottages area of Balboa Park, the House of Israel serves as a hub for showcasing Jewish culture, history, and customs to the public.
The House of Israel is one of the many International Cottages representing different ethnic groups and cultures in Balboa Park. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting various aspects of Jewish life, history, and contributions to society. These exhibits include artifacts, photographs, artwork, and interactive displays that provide insights into Jewish traditions, holidays, and customs.
Overall, the House of Israel serves as a welcoming space for individuals of all backgrounds to learn about and appreciate the richness and diversity of Jewish heritage. House of Israel strives to promote understanding, tolerance, and appreciation for Jewish culture within the San Diego community and beyond.
My husband and I arrived a bit early, but we were welcomed with open arms. Ruth Mastron, president of House of Israel, immediately recognized me from about a year ago when my husband and I stopped by for a visit as we were trying to decide if we should move to the area. I was so impressed with her memory. Even more so, I was impressed with the fact that she has held her position for nine years.
Right at the entrance to the House of Israel, there was a table with Israeli tomatoes being given away by Jim Sherman and his grandson, Gabriel Mantuano. Jim owns Sherman Nursery in San Marcos. Before you go running over there to acquire plants (that’s what I wanted to do!) understand that Sherman Nursery is a wholesale business and unfortunately, they are not set up for retail.
The Israeli tomato plant is grown from seeds developed in Israel by Hazera Genetics who use conventional cross-breeding methods. The reason these tomatoes were created is because of the unique challenges of farming in the desert where there isn’t fertile soil and there is little water. The Israeli tomato plant, often referred to as the “Israeli tomato” or “Israeli cherry tomato,” is a variety of tomato known for its exceptional flavor, sweetness, and productivity.
Developed through agricultural research and breeding programs in Israel, these tomatoes have gained popularity worldwide for their taste, texture, and resilience.
Overall, the Israeli tomato plant is prized for its exceptional flavor, productivity, and adaptability, making it a favorite among gardeners, farmers, and consumers alike. Whether grown in home gardens or commercial fields, Israeli tomatoes continue to delight taste buds around the world with their delicious taste and culinary versatility.
As we walked into the House of Israel were offered some spinach and feta cheese bourekas and were taken around the exhibit by Yael who asked her last name be omitted in the article. Yael is truly passionate about everything Israel. She was telling us that she is working on updating the exhibit but in the meantime, she taught us multiple things such as that the Jerusalem stone has gold in it, and that Leonard Nimoy’s famous Spock character in Star Trek used a Jewish symbol when he did his “live long and prosper” greeting in the show that was inspired by his rabbi.
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Miriam Gershenson is a dog-loving, Israel-born, HR professional currently residing in Escondido.
How does it feel to have a wall up to block you! Nothing different than the wall they put up in Palestine!