By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO — A bit of friendly advice for my fellow Jews, and especially those from Israel residing in San Diego. The House of Israel, which has been open continuously in Balboa Park since 1948–the same year Israel was created–is now in danger of losing its charter. The dedicated volunteers who do their best to keep the House open every Saturday and Sunday, as required by the City of San Diego, are wearying. Some are getting too old to maintain that type of schedule; others are experiencing burnout.
So, it’s possible that the House of Israel will be forced to close if it cannot meet the requirement that it be open on the weekends to greet and provide a learning experience for visitors. If the House of Israel shuts down, then there are other Houses waiting in the wings, with many enthusiastic volunteers, waiting to take the House of Israel over.
Would our community like to see the House of Israel replaced by, say, the House of Palestine, which is one of the organizations that gained city recognition but which, as of this date, has not been able to secure a cottage of its own.
Ruth Maston, president of the House of Israel, has appealed to members of our community to step up and continue the tradition of greeting thousands of visitors from around the world while educating our fellow San Diego County residents. “No other Israel advocacy organization gets into the community the way we do; we believe there is a huge value in what we do,” she says. Losing the House “would be a terrible loss at a time when Israel is under attack and antisemitism is rising around the world. We must not let it happen.”
Maston said the House of Israel, which will reopen over the July 4th weekend for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, needs volunteers “to put together our annual events, to serve on the Board and to keep the House of Israel alive and thriving. Whether you want to greet visitors, answer questions, serve our delicious bourekas, help with major events such as Yom Ha’atzmaut and December nights, or serve behind the scenes on our Board of Directors or various committees, we need you.”
In an appeal to the community, Maston urged potential volunteers to do the following:
1. Click here to go to our invitation page on SignUp.
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on Signup.com)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots – you will receive an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Note: Signup.com does not share your email address.
4. Call me 760 644 0335 or email me at ruth.mastron@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.
Yes, the House of Israel has been part of the Balboa Park landscape since before most members of our community were alive. But that doesn’t mean that we should take the venerable institution for granted. If you love Israel, and want its positive message to be spread to city residents and visitors alike, this is the kind of volunteer activity you should hasten to accept.
What it comes down to is “use it or lose it.”
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Donald H.. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com
As a longtime supporter of Israel, although not Jewish myself, I would be devestated if the House of Israel were to close. I pray that people from the Jewish community will step up and keep this open so all may continue to learn of the power of Israel. May peace be with you all.