Israel
Israelis certainly discuss the Palestinian "situation," but a certain exhaustion has set in. Starting out with accusations of ill treatment will not get you very far. Discussing it even with Palestinians might lead to weary responses.
Referring to the security fence under construction as "the wall" would be considered a loaded statement.
Any mention of racial divisions-not just between Israelis and Palestinians but also between European and Middle Eastern Jews-should be approached carefully, if at all.
The assumption that Israelis are religious, or questions about levels of belief. There is a great deal of diversity of religious commitment as well as some conflict between religious and secular Israelis.
Asking exactly how someone served in the army (foot soldiers versus Intelligence Corps) might bring up class issues.
Diversionary Topics - Israel as a thriving democracy; the quality and freshness of the food.
On the street It’s South Beach style in resorty Eilat and Tel Aviv, where cotton shorts and tank tops are de rigueur during the hot summer months. Everywhere in Israel is fairly casual, but Jerusalem, Galilee, and Tiberias get colder winters and call for more conservative dress. In these places, long skirts are ideal for women, and everyone covers up at Jewish and Christian religious sites, with high necks and long sleeves.
At a party Secular celebrations call for jeans and nice tops; for religious ceremonies or weddings, cover past the elbows and below the knees.
P.S. Far from frumpy, Israel’s a burgeoning fashion hub: Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz and designer Yigal Azroel hail from the Holy Land.
Hello
Shalom. Alternatively, boker tov (“good morning”); achar tzahara’im tovim (“good afternoon”); erev tov (“good evening”). Even though most Israelis know a good deal of English, “an attempt to speak Hebrew is always appreciated,” says Nancy Schwartzman, director of the Israel-set documentary The Line.
Good-bye
Shalom. Alternatively, boker tov (“good morning”); achar tzahara’im tovim (“good afternoon”); erev tov (“good evening”). Even though most Israelis know a good deal of English, “an attempt to speak Hebrew is always appreciated,” says Nancy Schwartzman, director of the Israel-set documentary The Line.
Thank You
Todah, or todah rabah for “thank you very much.”
Excuse Me
To apologize, use ani mitzta’er for men and ani mitzta’eret for women. For everything else—when trying to get the attention of a waiter or shopkeeper, for example, or to signal someone to step out of your way—slicha (with a hard h sound) is common.
Help Me
Tuchal la’azor li? (“Can you help me?”), or, in an emergency, hatzilu!
Please
B’vakasha, which also means “you’re welcome.” Tack it on to the end of a request.
