House of Israel Balboa Park San Diego

As we get ready to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the modern state of Israel, here are 73 fun facts about our amazing country! Check out No. 6--this is always something I enjoy pointing out when taking visitors around Jerusalem.

Did you know that cherry tomatoes were developed in Israel? On April 24, we'll have a booth at the Vista Farmers' Market (325 S. Melrose Dr., Vista, CA 92081) and will be delighted to give each family a beautiful plant that will produce delicious cherry tomatoes! Stop by to say "Shalom!" between 8 am and noon, and take home your own tasty reminder of Israel's contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.

Here is the latest information for those considering travelling soon to Israel. Former Knesset member Dov Lipman is doing his best to keep everyone informed.

Many Jewish holidays are tied to the agricultural year--in Israel. So even Jews south of the Equator are celebrating this spring holiday! !

Once again, we get front-row seats to see history being made!

Happy birthday to our wonderful curator, Smadar!

Making history! For the first time ever, an Israeli team participated in--and finished!--the Tour de France. Blue and white on the Champs Elysées in Paris.

Here's an exciting update on the 2,000 year old date palm named "Methuselah", whose progeny we hope to bring to Balboa Park one day! Balboa Park Conservancy

A beautiful way to see in the New Year! Shana tova! Israeli vocalist Shlomi Shabbat, joined by singers including Idan Amedi, Eden Alene, and Yuval Dayan, sing Arik Einstein's "You and I Will Change the World," in a music video released yesterday to mark the peace deals between Israel and Arab countries.

What tiny country reaches out to help us in California in our time of need? Hint: Israel!

We are so proud of our House of Israel Queens! The Queens of the House of Pacific Relations are young women who represent their cultures while learning leadership, organizational, and management skills. They participate in community service projects all over San Diego. And yes, they get to wear tiaras! On the left is the House of Israel's Queen Kylie, who is stepping down but continues to participate in the organization as Advisor. She's done a phenomenal job of representing ...us, and we know she'll make her mark on the wider world. On the right is our new Queen Noam. She's a high school senior who loves fashion, dancing, wrestling, and surfing. She's been a member of Israeli Scouts in San Diego for five years and now holds a leadership position. Thank you, Kylie and Noam. We can't wait to see you again at the HOI!

Tonight in Tel Aviv. The city hall lights up the night with a message of peace and hope!

Another historic moment--the momentum for peace in the Middle East is building! May peace prevail in our region and in our world.

New year, new look! While we still can't welcome visitors, we've been using this time to do some tidying, updating, and sprucing up. Check out our gorgeous new signs for our front and back doors, and watch for more updates!

We've been keeping an eye on Dean since San Diego drafted him in 2015, the first Israeli to make it to the majors! Hi dominated the Yankees today! Kol Hakavod!

COVID 19 is still keeping our doors shut, but we're using this downtime to update some of our exhibits and displays to welcome you back whenever we're allowed to re-open. And we'd like YOUR help! We have five video screens with playlists highlighting our five main themes: History... Innovation Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Shalom Culture We're looking for short videos that focus on these themes for our updated playlists. They should be brief (2-3 minutes at most), recent, and ideally with English subtitles. If you've come across any videos you'd like us to feature, please send a private message with the link. !