Why is it, that most Israelis would rather lose some money, than admit to having miscalculated someone's change. With the economy the way it is, and the poverty level being where it is, why is the loss of money a lesser loss than a bit of pride?

Because for Israelis recognizing a mistake in a matter as "crucial" as money would be tantamount to admiting being, God forbid, freierim, which for them is a fate worse than death.
This attitude is also behind Israel's share of the blame in the never-ending war...

Yeah, I know it is. And thats fine. But dont come harassing me for handouts, if your just gonna turn around and shove it in my face insisting you didnt make a mistake.

Israel is the only place where a beggar has refused to take my spare change. Israel is the only country I've been to where the customs official will not anwser anything to "good morning" said in their language (and I've been around). Israel is the only place where I've seen someone get on the bus without paying and still have the nerve to curse off the driver at the top of their voice when he tells them to pay or get off. Israel is the only place where a cab driver has asked me what the #### I was going to do where I told him to take me before agreeing to go.

If you want to interact with *normal* people you're in the wrong country. And, let me guess, are you in Jerusalem or Beersheva? If so, you're in the wrong city in the wrong country=double trouble.

You can say THAT again. And again. And again. We all know its a !@#%& up country, but still, my God! Im trying to return their money and they throw it back in my face?!

If you want to interact with people exactly like you, don't travel.


9

Enough Loshen Hara already!

I can say that I've been here for over 4 years, and I've never had that happen. Much like people everywhere else, the clerk/store owner has been happy when I've pointed out a mistake in their favor.

What is the example? Maybe you're misinterpreting something simple like a kind gesture or a simplification in bookkeeping.

As an example, last week when I went to buy the paper and cigarettes, the guy just charged me for the paper. I corrected him, and it was the first time in over a year he smiled at me.
The other side of the coin would be my chicken guy. I've been going there every week for almost two years, and after about a month, I noticed he had undercharged me on the chicken. I asked him "Are you sure?" and he smiled and said "Shabbat Shalom". Obviously, for him, it's better to give his regulars a little discount than to deal with making 3.65 nis in change 50 times a day. I did this back in the States at the shop for my regulars also.

I've travelled quite a bit, and almost everywhere I can interact with normal people. Not people exactly like me, but normal people. And for the record, where I live the people are completely different from me.

Someone like you who "traveled quite a bit" should be aware that not everyone was raised in the same culture as you were and should have the understanding not to be insulted when an entire country has a way of acting that you happen not to like.

9

פשיטא! מהו דתימה...

Beersheba - what's wrong with it?

Im at a restaurant (take-out type small joint), it comes time to tally up the bill and its a little more than 50 shekel (dont remember exactly, maybe 52 and change). I give the guy a hundred and Im due back about 48 change, right? Well, he must've mixed up the bill and change cause he gives me back 52. I point this out to him and he adamantly refuses to accept that hes mistaken and insists on recalculating the bill. He does, and makes the same mistake again. Then he just shoved it in my face and tells me to take it. It wasnt a lot of money, but nevertheless...

Did you ever walk around and ask people for "two 20's for a 10"? you'd be surprised how many people will give it to you, or at least reach into their wallets and take the money out before they realize.... (it doesn't really work in the Zionist Entity as the 10's are coins)

A vending machine I use's bill slot thingy was broken once, so I went into a nearby change place to break a twenty (shekel) and the guy looked at me like I was nuts.

I'll give you a couple of options. since I don't know your level of Hebrew, don't get offended if I underestimate it:
1 - The guy was a moron. Most likely. If this is a place that you frequent, mention it to the owner or manager. I've hired morons in the past, and appreciate being told so, especially when the profits drop and I can't figure out why.
2 - The bill did the calculation on the change (if it was from a till) and you mistook the change due for the amount due. (This is where I ask you not to take offense - I've made this mistake before)
3 - The guy was shmoozing for a tip. I've had this happen in small bars and cafes everywhere, only here it's not known to wink and nudge. He gives you a little discount, you give him a larger tip. Very uncool as it's the owner's money he's putting into his pocket, but that's not an Israeli thing.

I think if you try to stop "generalizing" Israelis, you will find that most don't fit into the generalization.

(sigh) I want to go back to Israel.

I would recommend waiting until the city gets back to normal after the several feet of snow that were dumped on Yerushalayim are cleared away....no, wait...wasn't it only a couple of centimeters? You know, I love living in this country and all, but I just don't understand how they think it's normal to shut down over a little bit of slush on the ground. The streets are totally clear, just a little wet. (the sidewalks, on the other hand, are NOT clear, it's a tad on the difficult side to walk on them)

What is choice 1, for $200?

I beg to differ.

I wish you a smooth and succesful Klita.

Thank you.

נו?