Israeli culture is full of unique quirks and behaviors that make its people stand out no matter where they are. From their laid-back style to their loud and direct way of communicating, Israelis can sometimes come off as intense or even rude. But behind all that drama and noise is a warmth and genuine openness that defines them. Let’s dive into the key Israeli mannerisms and explore why they might seem a little chaotic yet ultimately endearing.
Israelis are Dramatic and Loud
Israel is located in the Middle East, and is made up of various extremely different cultures. Today perhaps these cultural differences are becoming less visible as Israeli culture is formed and continues to evolve. While Israel is made up of many different people, two Israeli mannerisms that stand out—though they don’t apply to everyone—are their tendency to be dramatic about basically everything and their loudness.
What do I mean? Just take a look at the roads. Israelis LOVE to honk for forever even though it’s clear the person in front of them can’t move forward with their car. Or, when Israelis talk, much like Italians and other Middle Eastern cultures, they often gesticulate with their hands—it’s as if their arms are an extension of their words.
They’re also just loud. When they’re excited, they’re loud; when they’re sad, they’re loud; and when they’re angry, they’re really loud. In Europe and America, we’re taught to control our feelings, keep our anger in check, and hide our frustration. Here, it’s different—expressing emotions is a part of everyday life. Everything is heightened, whether for good or bad reasons.
Dress casual to everything
In Israel, casual attire is the norm, even at events where formality is expected elsewhere, like weddings or bar mitzvahs. Israelis prioritize comfort and practicality, often opting for jeans and t-shirts over suits and dresses. This laid-back style reflects the country’s informal culture, where substance matters more than appearance. The warm climate also makes casual, breathable clothing more suitable, which might come across as hardly any clothing. Whether in professional settings or social gatherings, the emphasis is on authenticity and living life fully, without the need for elaborate dressing.
Israelis are Direct
Israeli directness is a hallmark of the culture, characterized by blunt and straightforward communication. People get straight to the point, valuing honesty and efficiency over politeness. Therefore, if you have something to say, say it and don’t hold back. This can be refreshing for those who appreciate transparency, as you always know where you stand, and it’s not considered rude. However, you need to make sure you aren’t hurting the other person’s feelings. There is a difference in being honest vs. simply being mean. This direct approach might be surprising or even jarring for those from cultures that prioritize indirect communication. In both professional and personal settings, this directness fosters clear, open interactions and strong, trusting relationships built on honesty. So, we encourage you to lean into it and maybe even surprise yourself with this newfound, more honest conversation.
Israelis Thrive on Balagan
“Balagan” is the Hebrew word meaning “chaos” or “mess,” and it’s the perfect word to encapsulate life in Israel. Whether it’s the constant unpredictability of traffic, never ending bureaucracy, or the animated, crowded markets, balagan captures an Israeli way of life that also somehow works and functions in the chaos. Still things get done, often through improvisation and adaptability. Israelis have perfected the skill at finding order in disorder, thriving amid the unpredictability. Balagan reflects the resilient, resourceful, and community-oriented spirit of the country, where chaos is embraced as a normal part of life.
Conclusion
Israeli mannerisms—loud, direct, and often very chaotic—reflect a culture that’s all about being real, connecting with others, and embracing the balagan of life. What might seem brash at first is actually a sign of their honest, no-nonsense approach to the world. It’s important to understand these traits especially if you’re about to start your Masa program, in order to help navigate Israeli culture and also learn to thrive in it.
