These 40 Facts Expose What Life’s Really Like In Israel

Everyday life in Israel has influences from nations around the world. Superficially, it might seem quite Western in its ways. But get to know the country a little better, and you’ll soon discover that it has its own very distinctive characteristics and customs. Read on to find out what makes Israel – and Israelis – tick…

40. Never order a cheeseburger at a kosher eatery

Actually, the chances of a properly kosher restaurant having a cheeseburger on its menu are pretty much zero. Because any eateries advertising itself as kosher should keep to various rules for food preparation which observant Jews follow. One stipulation is that meat and dairy shouldn’t be mixed in the same dish. Hamburger equals meat. Cheese equals dairy. So a cheeseburger is a complete no-no.

39. Both sexes must do National Service

Here’s a quote from the Israeli Defense Forces website, “The State of Israel requires every Israeli citizen over the age of 18 who is Jewish, Druze or Circassian to serve in the Israel Defense Forces.” There are some exemptions to this blanket rule. But being female is not one of them. Compulsory military service in Israel is an equal opportunity affair. 

38. So many museums

According to the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, the nation hosts more than 200 museums. What that means, apparently, is that Israel has more museums per head of population than any other country in the world. And who are we to argue with the consular officials?

37. Tipping in restaurants

Israeli waiting staff generally expect a tip of 12 percent on top of your bill, since gratuities are their main income-source. And according to Lion Kantor writing on the Culture Trip website in 2017 if you don’t tip, staff may follow you as you leave the restaurant to demand an explanation. Yikes!