Telling it like it is

February 14, 2006 - 8:54 AM by David Brinn

One aspect of Israeli life that Westerners who immigrate here always parade is the informality of the society and the direct no beating around the bush way Israelis communicate.
And it truly is a refreshing thing, but sometimes the lack of protocol, even in an academic setting, can lead to some ‘what did he say’ moments.

Case in point. Yesterday, I co-sponsored and attended a press briefing at a prestigious Israeli university regarding the upcoming March 28 Knesset elections. It featured three well-regarded political scientists discussing various cultural and political aspects of the campaign.

Over 50 journalists stationed in Israel from all over the world attended, and heard the high-brow analyses and predictions. During the question and answer period, one of the journalists asked a speaker to discuss the issue of women in Israeli politics – an area that the country has not been proud of, but which shows signs of improvement.

Expecting to hear some insight into the issue, what we heard instead was this nationally known professor and political commentator answering, “Well, in regard to the issue of women in Israeli politics, the situation is just fucked up.”

After a smattering of giggles, he then went into a more in depth look at the issue, as befits the ivory tower we were in. But can you imagine an American academic speaking to the national press in a briefing and using similar language?

Said speaker was also wearing a scuffed up brown leather jacket. That’s what’s great about Israel.

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