In general, Israelis are very open-minded, warm, and accepting people, and Israel (which is built as a mix of different people and cultures) is quite friendly to foreigners and tourists. However, just like any other place in the world, some things may seem completely normal to an outsider, but in Israel can be taken as an insult or considered taboo. To respect local traditions and make your time in Israel as perfect as it can be, make sure you review this list of things you shouldn’t do in Israel when visiting.
let’s begin.
1. Respect Yom Kippur
Literally ”Day of Atonement”, Yom Kippur it is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a day-long fast, confession, and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
This is one of the most respected Israeli Holidays, and all Jews (both religious and secular) respect it. This means that stores and restaurants close down, cars stop driving, and a gentle quiet settles over Israel. You can walk down the middle of the street along with a multitude of Israelis coming out to experience the incredible stillness all around you.
There are some areas like Arab villages and some neighborhoods of Haifa where they do not participate in it, but in most places in Israel you shouldn’t walk outdoors with food, and unless in an emergency, do not drive a car or use any electronics outside. It’s considered a big taboo in Israeli culture.
2. Respect Memorial Days
Israel has two main memorial days, Holocaust Day and Memorial Day for Israel’s fallen soldiers and terror casualties (Which is a day before the country’s independance day). In each of these there are sirens where people simply stop everything they’re doing in order to stand in silence for one or two minutes to pay respect for the fallen slodiers (even if they’re in the middle of the highway).
If you’re here during these days, you should probably just stand with everyone, but more importantly, do not disturb anyone and just show general respect for the occasion.
3. Don’t Joke Around With Security
Almost all public places, public transport central stations, and official government buildings have a security guard in its entrance that will check you, your bag, or your car before entering. While sometimes tiring, time-wasting, or even looks silly – this is not the place to cut corners or joke around. Just answer politely, open your bag, show your ID if necessary and follow through with the procedure with respect and patience.
Another thing worth mentioning here: do not leave any piece of your luggage more than one meter away from you. Israelis are very alert to foreign objects just lying around, so if you don’t want to see your bag getting blown up by a police robot – just keep it at arm’s length.
4. Don’t Leave a Restaurant Without Paying a Tip
Tipping in restaurants is very common in Israel, and in most of it the tip is basically the wage of the waiters. 10% tip is considered the minimum, but giving 12% and even 15% is quite common practice. In some places the service fee can be included in the final bill, and in those cases you should not give additinal tip, but in most cases it will not be the case.
You may, in most places, ask for the tip to be included in your credit card payment. Note that Israelis aren’t shy at all, and perhaps even too direct – the waiter will have no problem walking you out of the restaurant and asking why you didn’t leave a tip.
5. Leave Politics Aside
Talking about politics in Israel with locals is like waking up a hornet’s nest. One of the most famous Jewish sayings is “Proper behavior precedes the Torah” (Hebrew: דרך ארץ קדמה לתורה) – meaning that before one can learn and put into practice the mitzvot of the Torah, he or she must pave the path with decent behavior, good personality traits, and suchlike.
This goes for you as well. When in Israel, try to be modest and less harsh with your political opinions (if such exists). An overwhelming majority of Israeli citizens, apart from a very few exceptional ones, will not welcome patronizing political intervention from outsiders. The history of Israel and the Jewish people is complicated, lengthy, and nuanced. You are welcome to get to know it and discuss it, but do not think you are a white knight coming to educate the locals.
6. Do Not Hitchhike
It was quite common to hitchhike in Israel until the 90s, and it is still happening in remote places like the Golan Heights, but due to some unfortunate security events this practice became almost taboo in Israel, and is officially forbidden for soldiers to do so. It is not recommended to get into a stranger’s car unless you have no other choice. Safety first!
7. Do Not Get Offended
Israelis are very direct and don’t usually use understatement and subtleties. You should try to do the same. Israelis will trust you more if you are honest and direct. Expect business to be straightforward and emphasize the “bottom line.” In business terms, one should understand that the management style in Israel is often collaborative, and the concept of hierarchy is practically non-existent – this means that everyone is used to speaking his / hers mind.
Additionally, don’t be offended if an Israeli invades your personal space (which is a bit smaller than in North America or Asia). Israelis will come close to you and might put a hand on your shoulder or your arm during the conversation. There is also more physical contact, and conversations often involve gestures and touching.
On the other hand, Orthodox Jewish laws restrict physical contact with a member of the opposite sex unless it is a close member of the family. Even though there are many different observance levels, and most Israelis would have no issues at all with the matter, very Orthodox Jews will make sure to keep a safe distance from a member of the opposite sex, so don’t be surprised if they ask to move seats on a plane or a bus to avoid accidental touch.
8. On the Other Hand, Do Not Be Shy to Bargain
If you think you cannot have your way around the prices while shopping in Israel, then you are wrong. Especially in markets (like Shuk HaCarmel or Nachalat Binyamin Market) you are free to bargain and haggle. Do not pay the initial price the seller is asking you for, as there is usually a discount that can be made (and you should try to avoid paying “tourist prices”). Shopping in Israel can be a fun and cheap experience. Since there is so much to buy, your negotiation skills will come in handy.
9. Don’t Be Alarmed to See Armed Soldiers Everywhere
Army service is mandatory in Israel, so every 18-year-old, boy or girl, will be drafted into the Israeli Defence Forces. Most of them return home on weekends, so it is not uncommom to see armed soldiers walking down the street holding hands, enjoying lunch at a restaurant, or even sitting at the beach.
It can be quite a strange site at first but bear in mind that this is completely normal in Israel and those weapons are only there for defensive purposes. The young soldiers take them with them, even to leisure activities, as the army requires them to be with the weapon at all times.
10. Don’t Expect Small Portions, Even at Breakfast
Israelis like large quantities of food. Take for example the common “Israeli breakfast” – which is actually brunch. If you are staying at a hotel, the breakfasts are enormous. And not just there: order an Israeli breakfast at any restaurant and your table will soon be loaded with bread, pastries, salads, mezes, eggs, orange juice, coffee, and more pastries – to ensure you remain full until the afternoon.
And another tip – try everything. Whether you are non-vegetarian or vegetarian, the options of Israeli food are unlimited. From the common falafel, shawarma, sabich, salads, and hummus to the high-level culinary top chef restaurants– Israeli cuisine is one of the best.
11. Don’t Forget to Keep Hydrated
Israel is a very hot country, so you should try to keep hydrated at all times, especially if you are coming from a cold place and not accustomed to the heat. Not drinking enough water can take a toll on your health, so consume water regularly during sightseeing to avoid fainting or being dehydrated.
Tap water in Israel is safe for drinking, but it is quite common to buy bottled water and you can get it almost anywhere: in kiosks, gas stations, and every convenience store.
12. Don’t Forget an Electric Converter
Like in most of the countries in Europe, Israel uses a 220/230 volt, 50 Hertz electric system. That means if you are coming from the USA or Canada, you should not forget to use an adaptor for your electric devices (unless you plan on frying them).
For more info, read here: Israel Electric Plug | Travel Adaptor For Israel
13. Be Carful on the Road
The Israeli local drivers are a bit crazy, always in a rush, and are not very patient – so you should be aware and never cross the street without carefully looking around, and make sure no one is speeding at you from both directions. If you plan to rent a car and drive or use some kind of scooter or bicycle on the road, make sure you are being extra careful and aware of your surroundings.
14. Dress Modestly (Where Needed)
Now, this part is very much depending on where you are going. As Israel is a very open and secular country, with some islands of extreme religious importance, you should “know your crowd”, as they say.
Traveling to the holy sites of Jerusalem, like The Western Wall or the Mount of Olives Churches? some attention to your dress is required. Make sure you dress modestly, avoiding short clothes and bare skin. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and no cleavage.
In Tel Aviv, on the other hand, freedom is the law (or at least the vibe). Here you are fine any way you want (even if you are dancing topless in the street, a common sight in the annual LGTB pride parade).
15. Do Not Cross Fences or Enter Military Training Zones
If you are touring the Golan Heights, do not go off paved roads and marked trails. There are many minefields still scattered around in the Golan, the remainder from the long combat history of the region. They are fenced and marked with a yellow bright signs in all languages, but be on the safe side. The same goes for active training areas in the Negev desert, where the IDF might be training with active fire. It is not such a big deal, just don’t go wandering into the wilderness by yourself.
Read Further: What Is It Like Living In Tel Aviv? Local People Answer