By 
A Bold New Era Begins for the House of Israel
In the heart of San Diego’s Balboa Park, you will find The House of Israel—a small cottage with a mighty mission—and it’s undergoing a vibrant revival. Once a quiet space to learn about Israeli culture, it is now buzzing with purpose, vision, and renewed energy. Under dynamic new leadership, this historic gem is reimagining what grassroots Israel advocacy can be—and it’s inviting you to be part of it.
Since 1948, just months after the founding of the State of Israel, the House of Israel (HOI) has stood as a symbol of connection and cultural exchange and holds the distinct honor of being the first public establishment in the USA to fly the Israeli flag. This historic House is more than a museum or a visitor center—it’s a frontline outpost for truth, dialogue, and inspiration. With over 70,000 visitors each year, many of whom are discovering Israel for the very first time, the HOI is redefining the way Israel’s story is told.
“We’re not just a cottage—we’re Israel’s voice in the heart of San Diego,” says Stephanie Nisan, the dynamic new President leading the House of Israel’s bold transformation. “Every weekend, we’re igniting conversations, challenging misconceptions, and connecting with people on a deeply human level. We’re rewriting how the world sees Israel, one conversation at a time.”
In today’s hyper-polarized world, where disinformation spreads faster than truth, the House of Israel stands as a rare and essential voice. While many advocacy organizations speak to the already-convinced, HOI reaches beyond the echo chamber. It’s where tourists often meet Israel for the very first time—not through headlines, but through human connection.
“Let’s face it—Israel has always been terrible at PR,” says Nisan. “That’s what makes the work we do here so important. We’re not PR professionals—we’re real people, making real connections. That’s how you reshape narratives. That’s how you build bridges.”
Clearing the Misconceptions: Why Your Support Matters
One of the most common misconceptions about the House of Israel is that it receives regular funding. It doesn’t.
HOI operates without government grants or major institutional support. Its main source of income? The humble donation jar—the dollars people drop in exchange for tasty bourekas.
“There’s this idea that we’re funded or backed by some big donors—but we’re not,” says Stephanie Nisan, HOI President. “The truth is, we rely entirely on the generosity of our community. Without that support, we simply can’t do what we do.”
Another misconception is that Stephanie herself is paid for her leadership. She’s not.
She donates her time, energy, and professional expertise all purely out of love for Israel and belief in the HOI’s mission. “I see this as my IDF service,” Stephanie shares. “I didn’t serve in the army, but this is how I serve my people. This is my front line. And I give it everything I’ve got.”
Before her involvement, the HOI had no structured fundraising strategy in place. Today, a long-overdue infrastructure is being built to support the cottage’s future—from outreach and education to development and security.
And that security has never been more essential.
HOI is the only International Cottage in Balboa Park requiring armed guards due to repeated vandalism and its high visibility. Without security, HOI cannot safely open.
That’s where StandWithUs comes in. Quietly and generously, they fully fund weekend security. Their support—which often goes unrecognized—is what keeps the doors open. HOI literally could not operate without them.
But one organization can’t carry this burden forever. Sustainable, community-driven funding is crucial to ensure HOI remains open, safe, and strong.
Beyond safety, the vision for HOI’s next chapter is bold: modernizing outdated exhibits, introducing vibrant multimedia displays, launching internships, creating youth programming, producing educational materials, and hosting renowned speakers to engage and inspire. These efforts require real investment. And yes—even bourekas need funding.
Your Time and Talent Can Shape the Future
What makes the House of Israel even more remarkable is that it is entirely powered by volunteers. They are passionate storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and everyday changemakers.
“Each one of our volunteers helps change the conversation around Israel—one person, one visitor at a time,” says Stephanie Nisan. “They meet people where they are, they listen, they connect, and they make a lasting impression.”
But without volunteers to take regular shifts, the House of Israel cannot open its doors. Every weekend missed is a conversation not had, a mind not opened, a misconception not challenged. “We can’t afford to let those chances slip away,” Nisan emphasizes. “If we’re not telling our story, someone else is—and more often than not, it’s the wrong one.”
That’s why recruiting volunteers is mission-critical—and why one of Nisan’s greatest passions is bringing in more non-Jewish volunteers. “It’s incredibly powerful when visitors meet non-Jewish individuals dedicating their time to support Israel,” she explains. “It reflects Israel’s global significance and diversity in a way no brochure ever could. That kind of impact is unforgettable.”
Now is the time to step in. The House of Israel is a place where everyone—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—can come together to learn, celebrate, and engage. “The HOI is a community treasure,” Nisan says. “It’s for the community, supported by the community, and it’s up to the community to ensure its future.”
This sense of collective ownership underscores the urgency of the HOI’s current membership and donation drive. Whether you volunteer, become a member, or donate, your involvement directly fuels this transformative mission. No experience is needed—just a love for Israel and a willingness to share it.
Whether you’re staffing the cottage on a weekend, sharing a social media post, or simply spreading the word, your energy helps shape HOI’s future. This isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement. A space where advocacy meets warmth, and where one heartfelt conversation can plant the seeds of lifelong understanding.
“This is our moment,” says Nisan. “We are writing the next chapter of the HOI together. Help us make it bold, impactful, and unforgettable for generations to come.”
Volunteer. Join. Give. Visit www.houseofisraelsd.org today.
Fabulous article on a fabulous place! Thanks to our location in the heart of San Diego’s No. 1 attraction for visitors and locals alike, the HOI is not “preaching to the choir”. We engage with people who might never seek out facts about Israel and provide connection, dialogue, truth–and of course, our world-famous bourekas. You can be a part of this one-of-a-kind effort to support Israel!