Travel
We are the real ambassadors
Daniel Gigi
Published: 24.07.09, 00:14
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1. What a rude bunch
Ilan ,   Sydney, Australia   (07.24.09)
I'd have to agree, although its not just the Europeans that feel this way towards Israelis. Ive seen Thai people almost lose it with Israeli backpackers. Ive even experienced it myself in Israel. Many Israelis lack common manners and respect for other people.
2. Israelis rude? Only an idiotic moron EU freak would
Bunnie Meyer ,   Los Angeles, CA USA   (07.24.09)
believe something like that. The French take one bath a week if they feel like it and the English serve food fit for a donkey.
3. Interesting
Cameron ,   USA   (07.24.09)
A tough call this one. Methinks the author weights his piece far too heavily towards Europeans in matters of courtesy & etiquette. I have traveled to Europe a no. of times over the years and was stunned at various times at how damn oafish they can behave at times. Usually the blending in of smart-ass comments & put-downs during the course of a conversation, was the pattern I observed. By design, nothing too blatantly overt that would prompt one to get in their face about, although I do remember nailing the clerk at a Vienna hotel for clearly trying to shortchange me during a currency exchange. No regrets about clamping down on that rip-off nonsense.. I know YNET occasionally brings up this theme of Israelis behaving badly abroad, and cannot say I've met enough to make a valid judgement on the theme, but Europeans I do know, and Mr. Gigi gives them far too much credit for proper interaction & manners than they don't honestly merit many times. A touch too overkill on this subject, Mr. Gigi.
4. A very true article
William ,   Israel   (07.24.09)
I've seen the same thing happen while staying at a Dead Sea hotel, turning it from a quiet get-away vacation to ground-zero for a techno-club with loud, arrogant people. But to be far - there are several groups who are known for their "uncooth" behavior on vacation. Brits are loud and obnoxious, especially in Ibiza, where they act like their at a Manchester United soccer match all the time. Germans equally are rough, especially in the Canary Islands where they insist on ALL the amenities and ALL the food they have back home be available to them (rather than enjoy the local flavors and amenities). And of course Americans who believe the world ends at one of its borders.
5. ...and the woman was raped because she wore a mini-skirt
David ,   Detroit, MI, USA   (07.24.09)
Blaming the victim! What a bunch of crap! Europeans hate Americans because America is successful, and they are not! (Recent surveys actually show that the French are the worst tippers!). People hate Israel because they're told to by the media or because they hate the idea of successful, independent Jews. They didn't know you were Israeli, but I'm sure that they're no longer your friends now that they know you are. Wake up. Get your head out of your ass!
6. One of the Most Interesting Articles I've Ever Read in YNET
Seth ,   Washington, DC   (07.24.09)
7. GREAT article daniel! while a person may not be Torah oberva
jae ,   Yerushaliyim Israel   (07.24.09)
observant 100% a simple derech eretz and menshlikheit or necessary. Unfortunately this is the way of the middle east- eat or be eaten and it spills over and infects one too many people. A prophet says (paraphrased big time) what does the L-rd ask of you except that you walk before with humility? That deosnt mean slouch, it means a state of mind that grasps the bigger and higher purposes of life, that makes you a mensch and not a shnorer.
8. Israeli misconduct is political
Naftali Lavie   (07.24.09)
The misbehavior of the individual Israeli abroad is not accidental. It is based on a sense of entitlement, a feeling of supremacy, a belief in impunity. Israeli official mistreatment of the Palestinians is interpreted by the individual Israeli as licence to break the rules of polite and civil conduct with neighbors. Brutish and uncouth behavior by Israeli tourists is merely an extension of the brutish conduct of the colonial-settlers, the IDF militarists, and corrupt Israeli politicians. But, thank goodness, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time. This, too, will end.
9. We, the Jews. Our image.....
phil   (07.24.09)
Today is a bad day for this type of article.--- NY, New Jersey, rabbis, images of our religion, etc. I strongly suggest that the Israeli PR effort should examine how the "natives behave at home,i.e. rude, loud, vulgar, complaining all the time, -- " basic " unruly behavior. --- You see it in the stores;sales people on the phone with his/her lover while customer must wait. --- On the road; cutting-off, honking, tail-gaiting, loud radio, (worthless laws if not enforced) --- pedestrian cross-roads ignored; trampling grass, flowers, water lines endangering lives (again, worthless laws) --- Taxis behavior; picking and discharging in the muddle of the road, never mind the 5, 10, 20 cars waiting and blowing their horns. --- Our rail road; filthy trains, toilets to match, incompetent employees, horrible speakers (and we are electronic experts), managers not to be found, complaint dept., a joke. --- Our coast line; garbage from north to south -(Israelis freedom of expression) A partial list ..........! We, the people , have the power to alter Israel's image abroad. Unless we change our habits at home, we will not succeed overseas. PS: having lived in 4 different countries, speaking their languages, familiar with their way of life, I can tell you only one thing. You must adapt - change !
10. Emphatically true, and
Naftush ,   Israel   (07.24.09)
1. Knowledgeable Europeans, or anyone with a feel for the matter, can identify even a foreign-born Israeli as an Israeli and judge the country for better or worse by h/her behavior. 2. There's no "we" who should teach "they" how to behave. When we step foot in Europe, each of us can and should get it across to the rest of us that we're not in Kansas anymore.
11. yada yada yada
izzy d   (07.24.09)
in other words: I turned a single remark into an entire article. ps. international relations is between people and not states??!! are you kidding me???!!!! Show me this "study". actually dont. i know that with the creation of the word "ambiguous" experts became more and more reliable. to say that international society is reliant on citizens rather states...shows that you dont know the political history of the term "international society". friggin experts
12. Yes, this could be very simple
Vered, Israel   (07.24.09)
I love Israelis - the intelligence, the kindness (underneath it all) and the "realness". I would also like to see this country develop "Western" etiquette. Why shouldn't Israel have the best? A Jewish population that lives in the Jewish homeland, really is interesting, not phony, knows how to enjoy life...but also...is very courteous. This needs to be inculcated beginning in grade school, with a "charm school" finishing course in the army. Yes, this relates to national security! Sabras need to run through questions in their minds: have I offered my place in line to anyone today? Have I obeyed the rules? The major stuff they get, such as helping a stranger, being a loving spouse, parent or friend. Can you imagine when they also add good manners to this?
13. The ugly Israeli
Moshe ,   Gush Etzion, Israel   (07.24.09)
Great eye opening article with room for thought.I also like the recommendations to our Government PR. I would go further and have incentives for good behaviour abroad and punishments for bad.These can be given or taken in travel points and added taxes for re-occuring poor behaviour which affects us all.Even animals in a free society have rights,but lets see if a an ownerless dog who bites can get on a plane without a visa or passport.
14. Israelis behavior overseas
Eva ,   italy   (07.24.09)
I agree with you Daniel, I am an Israeli living in Italy,travel a lot and always try to progect a positive immage of my country of origine, behaving in a civilized way,as i feel that I do represent Israel to the people i inter act with,
15. My husband and I always wondered why.
vered ,   israel   (07.24.09)
We always tip when we travel and treat those who served us well. But most Israelis never do. I think in the past Israelis were so insulated against the daily financial struggles because they were always part of a group and therefore did not feel personal responsibility, but that's not the case today. You are right, each and every one of us is a personal ambassador for Israel when we travel, and every bit of kind behavior we show others is the best PR around.
16. are you dreaming ?
BS ,   Paris   (07.24.09)
In Paris, there are a lot of Israeli tourists, behaving normally. They avoid to mention they're israelis, and speak in almost English. The average Frenchman dosn't know they're Israeli, but has a definite opinion on middle East. The French are the real world class worst tourists in international polls. Where does your article com from ?
17. sad but true in Israel too!
Miriam ,   Israel   (07.24.09)
I'm a new immigrant and I LOVE Israel. Big Zionist, but ....... the portrait in the article is a sad reality and not only when the Israeli are traveling, my friends make fun of me beacause I'm too polite for Israel! Maybe you need to teach good manners old style in school again. Let's hope for a change we need it.
18. Too many Israelis behave like savages...
Daniel ,   Tel Aviv   (07.24.09)
As a foreign-born Jew now living in Israel, I must say that one of the most shocking things is the lack of manners among many Israeli people. They just push and shove without any consideration for anyone else. Plus, there is this pervasive mentality in Israel of "If you're not screwing over someone, then you're the sucker." This behavior, unfortunately, doesn't stop at Israel's borders. Israelis--- many of the one's that I have met--- are some of the most wonderful, friendly and sincere people I've ever met and it's a pity that the rest of the world only sees the ugly side of Israeli people.
19. this is sooo true! (they hate Ah!mericans 4 same reason!)
(07.24.09)
Yep! Israelis and Ah!mericans have got to be the rudest travelers in the world!
20. Well, I remember the look on a face in Britain after I said
I'm Israeli   (07.24.09)
I guess if I'd been older the guy would ask me how many children I killed
21. Innocents abroad
(07.24.09)
You will have to explain to the Israelis abroad for the first -- or second, or third -- time that Europe is not a Middle Eastern bazaar and that 40 euros means 40 euros, and that is what they have to pay. You will have to explain that everyone in Europe is used to eating pork and seafood, no one feels guilty, and they don't have to scream to hide their guilt feelings. You will have to explain that even if you are a major in the army, you still have to say please and thank you, and you are responsible for your actions. You will have to explain that a line is a line, and that you get at the end and wait. You will have to explain that no means no, not because of anti-Semitism but because they really did not book a room or a table. Good luck!
22. Blah Blah nonsense
Simon ,   London/Tel Aviv   (07.24.09)
We've heard it all before. More generalisations about rude Israelis. It's all nonsense. I've lived half my life in England. I've worked all over Europe and also been to many Arab countries. Sure many Israeli tourists are rude and unpleasant but so are British French Germans. This is all self-hating nonsense somehow holding Jews to a higher standard it's SH*T people are people world over. The world is changing most people whatever race tribe or colour are just not that polite get over this and move on!
23. East not west
BBJ   (07.24.09)
This is perhaps teh cas ein eastern Europe, but certainly not in western Europe, where the public is being brainwashe d for 30 years now, by leftists about the "mistreatement" of pallies, and who harbor a heavy muslim population who rabidly hate everything is Israeli or Jew, disregarding their behaviour.
24. so....what?
(07.24.09)
i do not think we should bend over backwards to acomodate people sutch as the french, and spanish, who hold ill will to us regardless of manners, conflicts or other issues, and so what if the EU refuses to upgrade ties with us, whats the phisical consequences of it?
25. The Chosen Ones?????
Gregg ,   Haifa, IL   (07.24.09)
Of course ! When we will stop being so self centred and think that we diserve everything only on the behalf that we are the supposed chosen ones, maybe people will start to like us...
26. We are the real Ambassadors
Nili ,   Jerusalem   (07.24.09)
It's about time somebody tackled this topic, but it is a double-edged sword. Israelis have to also learn manners in Israel. People come here too--ask around and they will tell you that Israelis are rude, impatient and the worst drivers anywhere. Some advertising!
27. well, it doesn't help for sure
avi   (07.24.09)
but french are so proud and selfish nonetheless, it has not a lot to do with antisemitism.
28. True but
Jewish Refugee ,   Occupied Arizona   (07.24.09)
I have to agree that Israeli's are a bit out of line when they travel. But it is the way of life in Israel that is how they are in Israel and that is how they are in other countries. When I moved to U.S.A., I was a bit different (strange according to American standards) but it takes time to readjust to the mainstream. With that in mind, perhaps we should be a little bit more conscious of our surroundings. But sometimes there are those who do not readjust and actually impose their will for more please visit: http://israelactnow.blogspot.com/2009/07/arab-festival-2009-sharia-in-us-must.html
29. Yeah, Israelis are rude, but so what?
Kyle ,   Southpark, CO, USA   (07.24.09)
Arabs are also rude, so why are they so loved? Is it because the rude Arab sheiks drop billions during their Parisian and Riviera spending sprees? Maybe Israelis should just spend more money, and people won't mind their rudeness.
30. Behaviour....
Abir ,   CHicago, IL   (07.24.09)
Israelis....rude? Obnoxious? Arrogant? Presumptuous? Inconsiderate? Impossible.......Cannot be ! These "goyim" are Anti-Semitic......
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