Morris Showel was president of the Cottage of Israel in Balboa Park when it opened in August of 1948, three months after the founding of the state of Israel. The Cottage’s operation was directed by a Board elected at an annual meeting by the general membership. Membership was open to anyone interested in Israel.

The Cottage, now known as the House of Israel, is one of the 29 exposition cottages that make up the House of Pacific Relations located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. The House of Pacific Relations came into existence in 1935 as an expression of the vision of the late Frank Druggan, following the California Pacific International Exposition of which he was president. Through the House of Pacific Relations, Druggan hoped to promote an exchange of values and understanding among peoples of diverse national and ethnic origins.

At the close of the 1935 Exposition, a group of small buildings were declared superfluous. These structures were leased by the House of Pacific Relations and sub-leased to the various national and ethnic groups. Each group, by displaying in these structures its cultural and ethnic exhibits to the public, and by working with one another to promote their common objectives have been very successful. These groups by working together in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere demonstrate how national entities are making unique contributions and enriching the social pattern of American life.