Some Israelis may argue that their rampant chutzpah does not prove that they are disrespectful. However, many people from other cultures would disagree.
The debate is questionable. These two forms of expression do not necessarily contradict each other. Israeli concepts of respect simply differs from yours.
Israelis don't show respect for you. However, they do show respect for trees. They are taught that trees are important and holy. They learn to get excited about trees. If a tree in their garden is in the way of other plants, then you know what gets transplanted. If a tree grows into the middle of a major thoroughfare, such as, say, Jerusalem's Rechov Strauss, then the cars inch around it, slowly and carefully. They won't graze it, as they would do with a parked car. Ask about their exaggerated respect, and an Israeli will respond that "The tree is older than you are." Perhaps. I wooden know.
Rain. Precipitation is limited in the Middle East. The rainy winter season is equated with a time of blessing. Israelis can't understand why people get upset about hurricanes and tsunamis.
Israeli children joyfully interrupt their classroom lessons when it rains, and they dance around the classroom. They sometimes get into trouble for doing the same thing on a sunny day.
The elderly. Children offer their seats on buses to the elderly without being asked � especially if they are about to get off anyhow.
The injured � especially those in the process of receiving their injuries. Israelis gawk and gather around those who have been hurt.
Is this a sign of respect? Well, it does show that they care. This differs from those living in certain other countries, where it is a tradition to avoid getting involved.
Family. Israelis will show either intense, exaggerated concern and respect for the family � or utter rejection. They can swing easily from one extreme to another. In this way, the boss is sometimes treated like family.
Authority. Israelis will generally accept, trust, and believe anything uttered by a physician, usually without checking it or demanding a second opinion. That may be the ultimate sign of respect � or laziness. It may also be a result of the fact that physicians never deign to answer questions anyhow.
The disabled. Israelis will show great respect for the handicapped, whether they want assistance or not.
The bus driver. The driver can leave his bus unattended, and nobody will touch his money. It's just shekels, after all. They are likely to be less respectful to the bus driver if he arrives late.
That's probably because you experienced other phenomena:
Were you trying to get out of an elevator or off the bus? According to Israeli custom, those getting on have the right of way.
Were you waiting patiently on line? Apparently, you have nothing better to do. Israelis are in a hurry.
The list of people for whom Israelis do show respect is thus far greater. Israelis do show respect for nearly everybody.
There's only one exception.
You.
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