You might do OK in Israel without speaking Hebrew, but you’ll never make it without learning “chutzpah.” In Israel chutzpah is a way of getting things done. However, if you’ve ever felt timid
about speaking up or asserting yourself, fear not. Israeli chutzpah can be learned. Moreover, once you master it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Chutzpah is about standing your ground and not taking “no” for an answer when it doesn’t make sense. It’s the voice that asks, “Who do you think you are?” when someone tries to push you aside, whether that’s in line at the bank. Repeat the mantra: “Don’t be a freier.” In other words, don’t be too passive, too polite or too gullible. In Israel, avoiding freier status is practically a national sport.
- Hold Your Ground
Imagine you’re on the checkout line and someone with a full cart just slides in front of you as if you’re invisible. That’s your chutzpah moment.
Maintain eye contact. Speak up immediately: “Slicha, hayiti kan kodem” (“Excuse me, I was here first”).
Be firm. Be calm. Israelis respect persistence more than volume.
- Dealing With Officious Clerks
Whether you’re at Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of Interior) or the bank, you’ll encounter clerks who seem to take “no” as their default setting.
What to Do:
Ask to see the supervisor: “Efshar ledaber im hamenahel” (“Can I speak to the manager?”). And don’t give up if they say “Lo efshar” (“It’s not possible”). Ask, “Lama lo?” (“Why not?”) until they explain.
Come prepared: Bring extra documents, just in case. Israeli bureaucrats are often more impressed by the volume of paperwork than its content.
- Battling Telemarketers
If you ever receive a call from someone pitching insurance or raising money for some obscure Kabbalah institute in the Meah Shearim, try the following:
Interrupt quickly: Say, “Lo me’anyen, todah” (“Not interested, thank you”) and hang up. (You don’t even have to say “todah”).
Block their number. Your phone’s block list is your new best friend.
Turn the tables: “Actually, I’m selling something too — should we trade?” Most telemarketers won’t know what to do with that.
- Managing Taxi Drivers
Some taxi drivers might try to charge you a “special” rate if they sense you’re new in town.
What to Do:
Insist on the meter: “Tadlik et hamoneh” (“Turn on the meter”). If they persist, leave.
Know the average fare for your route. Apps like Gett can help.
If overcharged, say, “Zeh lo nachon” (“This isn’t correct”). They’ll usually back down if they see you’re informed.
- Handling Intrusive Neighbors
Your neighbors have opinions about everything — from how you park to what’s in your shopping bags. While it can feel intrusive, it’s usually not mean-spirited.
What to Do:
Set boundaries early. Politely but firmly say, “Todah al ha’etsah, aval ani b’seder” (“Thanks for the advice, but I’m fine”).
Redirect their energy: Ask them for a recipe or local tip. People love to feel helpful.
Remember: Israeli directness isn’t personal. It’s just how they communicate.
- Standing Your Ground at the Bank
Israeli banks are infamous for their fees and bureaucracy. If a clerk tries to charge you for something you don’t understand, do this:
Negotiate. Yes, even bank fees are negotiable. Say, “Efshar livater al zeh?” (“Can this fee be waived?”).
Be persistent. Don’t leave until you’re satisfied.
Final Thoughts
Israeli chutzpah is about navigating life with confidence, audacity and a bit of humor. So the next time someone tries to push you aside or dismiss your needs, channel your inner sabra. Stand tall, speak up and get your chutzpah on. You’re an Israeli now.
Olim Paveway’s Olim Toolbox offers timely tips for anyone moving to or visiting Israel. Join our live Zoom chats, Sundays at 2 p.m., at our new address: tinyurl.com/y2sj3z72, and the Olim Toolbox WhatsApp at chat.whatsapp.com/ic8dnfdnlspnispgaptmcktbf for more tips. If you have a question or suggestion for a topic, please write to [email protected].
