Some of the places in thailand was just miserable this last summer... especially in the islands.. They were full off those "typical" Israeli types that make you embarassed to be associated with and try not to speak hebrew around. Definately need some help for the negative stuff lots of our brothers and sisters do in the Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam area,,, we are NOT very liked in those areas as we should be. The locals are starting to not be as friendly by our rude actions even though id say about over 70% of the travellers I met were Israeli.

HOW respect is shown, can be different in every culture. It's not enough to simply tell Israeli backpackers to show respect. A few guidelines on what that means in India, and how it is shown, could go a very long way in improving our image abroad.

I want that gig!

Who thinks that a 21 year old will change 21 years of LEARNED and Extolled bad behaviors from a pamphlet handed out at the airport? Parents, teachers, government workers and leaders have set these behavior standards by their words and actions and are the ones to blame. As far as ANY Israeli is concerned, the world is populated by freiers and no diplomat, spokesperson or flyer will change that.

I have backpacked across India and S.E Asia, and in my opinion India is not the country to target first with this excellent initiative. Its because of the fact that Indians are so gentle, tolerant and patient that the reputations of Israelis in India in my opinion is not sooo bad. In fact, from my experience there was a kind of symbiotc relationship between backpacking Israelis and Indians. Also, a large % of Israelis in India are on some kind of ''search'', which together with the local ''products'' makes them almost placid, and certainly takes the edge off the Israeliness. In contrast, the reputation of Israelis in Thailand is far far worse, and is maybe even beyond repair. Thailand attracts the very worst type of Israelis who really do push for every cent, they abuse the Thais who aren't generally as patient as the Indians (although still very....)

everything that the average Israeli is not.

21 years of age officers in IDF or pilots in IAF.Maybe we have two different nations :-)

a total waste of time n money. i think we are the only country that worries about our citizens on vacation abroad. let's worry more about the kidnapped soldiers. it seems that our priorities are not in the right direction. Mrs. Livne - wake up and put your office to work politically and not to take care of citizens on vacation. those that want to spend time in India etc. - it's their problem NOT OURS.

how stupid can this country get?...to pend money on trying to fool the world that we are a polite and honest people....isralis are obnoxious at home and abroad...

If oyu don't see the connection between the two. Just like nayone else who thinks they can spread their s**t arounf the world without concequences. The concequence is that when we need international diplomatic interventions whe world says Why should we help those nasty bastards who act like dogs when they are visiting other peoples homes. Maybe if we pretended to be nicer when visiting others they would be more eager to help up when we need it. And we need help often - See handicaped soldiers situation. And you people thinking Whay do we need others? nobady is really our friend. is only an excuse for bahaving badly. Certainly no-one will like you when you take advantage of them in their own country. What goes around comes around.