"If I go up the stairs and my neighbor passes me walking downstairs, who is supposed to say hello -- the person going up or the one going down-" Is a famous line from Israeli cult classic Hagashash Hahiver. The correct response should be "both," and internalizing that could prevent more than a few embarrassing situations. But let's start from the end. The barbaric behavior that the entire nation witnessed on Sunday does not represent the general Israeli public. Not at all. We are not like that, and the average Israeli does not behave that way. But, and this is a big "but," let's not be too naive and ignore the reality: More than a few of us would not make the Foreign Ministry's "dean's list." What is happening to Israeli society? We cannot be screaming and cursing in line at the supermarket, bank, pharmacy or when the plumber/technician comes to our home. It cannot go on. That behavior is a form violence, and makes for a violent way of life. Yes, we have short tempers, maybe due to the hot weather or because of the pressure we are under from the security situation, but we cannot let things spin out of control. The saddest thing is that our children are watching us and this is how they learn to behave in social situations. Think about it for a moment. Imagine your little son or daughter screaming like that at the entire world. Is that what you want- I have no intention of proselytizing about manners and kindness, as I myself have sinned before and will likely again in the future. But after growing up abroad, in a country where manners are important, and despite living in Israel for a long time now, I still open the door for others. I try not to exit the elevator first, I show up to work wearing more than sweat pants and I do not begin a question with, "Hey, bro." Why? Because that isn't how things are supposed to be. If you don't let people get off a bus, you won't be able to get on. There is logic behind it. An elevator at the education department in the university I studied at had a sign on it stating that people leaving the elevator should be allowed to exit first. Yes, that's right, that sign was necessary, because when logic doesn't operate on its own, rules of basic decency have to be imposed. It may not be only Israelis. Italians are known to be "quick to anger" as well. But why should I care? I'm not Italian, and the Italians' behavior is not a source of pride or shame for me. We are all ambassadors, in our homes (Israel and our houses) and abroad. So stop yelling. Just stop.
