Tel Aviv - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, Muslims/Palestinians definitely face issues here, especially at the airport. If you fall into one of these groups, expect to be pulled aside every time you go to the airport without fail. There are no gender equality issues. At least here Israel is quite progressive. - Jan 2022
Though I have not experienced this personally, I work with some people from various minority groups who have experienced some racial discrimination (this is a very "white" city, and there are definitely some racial issues/biases among older Israelis towards people of color and Arab/Ethiopian Israelis). Tel Aviv is definitely a more "progessive" and open city than the rest of the country so I can't speak for people who live in different parts of the country. - Apr 2021
Yes, obviously. We are a bit sheltered from it in our expat bubble, but it's in the news daily. Living here is a bit unique in that it's a country with a government that is reviled by many of my friends back home. There are many parallels here to the US, and like the US, there are a broad range of beliefs here, and, in my opinion, the current government doesn't represent the beliefs of many of its people. Gender equality: outside of ultra religious groups, I find it to be better here than in the US. Women here work in all levels of all fields, are required to be in the military, and don't dress to impress anyone. - Oct 2019
There definitely seem to be many pervasive ethnic and religious issues. - Nov 2018
Of course-- but there are also opportunities to engage all facets of the political spectrum to learn more about the occupation, minorities, etc. - Oct 2016
Ummm... yes. - Jul 2016
Yes -- it's Israel. - Apr 2016
Yes. But that's the simple answer. Compared to the severity of these issues in the neighbouring countries, like Syria, they are not worth mentioning. - Mar 2016
Yes, for the last few thousand years... I will save you the ancient and even recent history, but yes, there are problems, to put it mildly. Once you get here and start reading the press every day you'll get it. That's all I'll say - it's depressing. - Nov 2014
Most people here are Jewish. There seem to be some underlying issues that rarely come to the light. But they are there, just below the surface. - Apr 2013
If you are black or Asian, life will be difficult. This is not a tolerant society. Local people are quite tense. It spills over into our life. Embassy staff are tense and not customer service oriented. They enjoy making your life and their own difficult. Skill levels are low, so getting anything accomplished is quite a feat. - Aug 2010
Very much - as a person of color, I have been called the n-word repeatedly by Israelis (in English and Hebrew), spat upon, followed down the street and shouted at, etc. In my building people think I'm the maid, and at work, people have demanded to speak to "an American" when they see me. It's a horrible, racist environment. And don't even try not being Jewish. They hate Gentiles here. Diplomats here have had rocks thrown at them for "violating" the Sabbath. - Jul 2010
This IS Israel. Within Tel Aviv, however, people generally get along. - Feb 2009
I have experienced none. - Sep 2008
Not to my knowledge. - Jul 2008
