Telephone manners are a problem around the world.
Israel has additional issues:
Phone manners: Americans just give a number, possibly with an area code. Israelis add 972.
Nobody says "I'm sorry, you've reached a wrong number." They just hang up on you. Sometimes they add, "Ta-ut just before replacing the receiver in its cradle."
Since Israelis adore their kids, it's only natural for them to expect others to adore them as well. Their three-year-olds can't take a message, comprehend what is being requested, or speak properly, but they are encouraged to answer the phone. Any attempt by Mommy or Daddy to take away the phone turns into a tug of war and screaming match, with the baby yelling in your ear. The parent, who knows that somebody is listening on the other end, is not always embarrassed.
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