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I'm curious, what is it like living in Tel Aviv if you aren't Jewish and are from the USA? The reason I ask is this article seems to focus on the benefits of

I'm curious, what is it like living in Tel Aviv if you aren't Jewish and are from the USA? The reason I ask is this article seems to focus on the benefits of cultivating a startup in Tel Aviv. Are there cultural disadvantages to folks who are not Jewish? This is a serious question, but I'm already feeling like I'm treading lightly on egg shells just asking this...:)

dataisfun 14y ago
Not an issue at all. I grew up in Tel Aviv and Israelis love Americans, esp. those doing tech related work.
nostromo 14y ago
I used to fly to Tel Aviv regularly when I worked at an internet company with a big presence there. People were almost universally warm and welcoming. It was common to get invited to weekend gatherings or to go out and get drinks at the marina after work. I have a German last name that is similar to a common Jewish name, so people would very regularly ask if I was Jewish. I would explain that I wasn't; it could have been uncomfortable, but never was. In fact, it was nice not being Jewish because nobody ever pressured me to move there. Jerusalem is a totally different story. I didn't get the feeling it was a friendly or safe place for outsiders. I wasn't comfortable there. I also hated flying into or out of the country because of the security interviews; it seems very invasive to an American. But Tel Aviv is very non-religious, open, laid-back and friendly. The technical talent is also very strong. Everyone speaks english it seems, even people working at Burger King. In short, I never really had the desire to move there, because I'm not really a hot weather beach guy, but I could see why it would appeal to others to do so.
tnash 14y ago
It's awesome. I'm not Jewish (a Christian-raised atheist) and I spent a month there in Dec. 08. You have to realize that Judaism is both a culture and a religion. Most Israelis are not religious. They celebrate Jewish holidays but you won't see them in a synagogue. Israelis are a super laid back people that say what's on their minds. Tact isn't really part of the culture. They go to five star restaurants and weddings in T-Shirts and jeans. Family is very important and if one adopts you you'll be stuffed full of amazing food and then sit around the table drinking coffee and mint tea and talking. It's a lot of fun.

dataisfun 14y ago

Not an issue at all. I grew up in Tel Aviv and Israelis love Americans, esp. those doing tech related work.

nostromo 14y ago

I used to fly to Tel Aviv regularly when I worked at an internet company with a big presence there. People were almost universally warm and welcoming. It was common to get invited to weekend gatherings or to go out and get drinks at the marina after work. I have a German last name that is similar to a common Jewish name, so people would very regularly ask if I was Jewish. I would explain that I wasn't; it could have been uncomfortable, but never was. In fact, it was nice not being Jewish because nobody ever pressured me to move there. Jerusalem is a totally different story. I didn't get the feeling it was a friendly or safe place for outsiders. I wasn't comfortable there. I also hated flying into or out of the country because of the security interviews; it seems very invasive to an American. But Tel Aviv is very non-religious, open, laid-back and friendly. The technical talent is also very strong. Everyone speaks english it seems, even people working at Burger King. In short, I never really had the desire to move there, because I'm not really a hot weather beach guy, but I could see why it would appeal to others to do so.

tnash 14y ago

It's awesome. I'm not Jewish (a Christian-raised atheist) and I spent a month there in Dec. 08. You have to realize that Judaism is both a culture and a religion. Most Israelis are not religious. They celebrate Jewish holidays but you won't see them in a synagogue. Israelis are a super laid back people that say what's on their minds. Tact isn't really part of the culture. They go to five star restaurants and weddings in T-Shirts and jeans. Family is very important and if one adopts you you'll be stuffed full of amazing food and then sit around the table drinking coffee and mint tea and talking. It's a lot of fun.