No English Logo

June 26, 2007 - 4:00 PM by

Israel’s parliament wants to see more of the country’s mother tongue/less English when it comes to doing business. If a new law is passed, “signage” outside places of business will have to be in Hebrew rather than English despite vendor claims that English attracts business.

The proposed law calls for businesses to prominently display a company’s logo name in Hebrew or run the risk of having licenses revoked.

Efi Eitam, the National Religious-Zionist Party leader and MK behind the proposed law, says that while the popular practice of displaying business names in English only may increase traffic – particularly in tourist heavy locales – it hurts the country’s identity as a nation perpetuating history via Biblical language.

Business owners are less than pleased. Udi Shahar, owner of YAMAKA Restaurant in Herzeliya Pituach, said the proposed law “sounds like police state policy out of the dark ages.”

“What will happen to the international chains like ‘Office Depot’ and ‘McDonald’s'?” asked Ayelet Orr, chef of Hod Ha’Sharon’s OM Restaurant. “Maybe the Knesset members should worry about crime and corruption instead of restaurant names.”

Yah. I’ll clink my glass of Merlot to that.

Tags: • Category: A New Reality, Business, History and Culture, Politics 

Comments

5 Comments on No English Logo

  1. Darnell Clayton on Tue, Jun 26th 2007 8:04 PM

    2. Heh! Perhaps America’s influence is becoming to…er…influential?

    I remember a similar law being passed in France, which (IMHO) hurt tourism there.

    Instead of forcing businesses to adopt the “Hebrewnese,” (as that would be a negative response) the government should reward businesses that do (say tax breaks or a speedier time frame with the Israeli gov., etc.).

    Just a helpful suggestion…

  2. Jack NY on Tue, Jun 26th 2007 8:44 PM

    3. It will hurt business,
    that is for sure, 90% in Israel speack English let it be???
    that why the great influx in turism is no -speaking HEBREW?
    plus you have many immigrant living in Israel for many years still they
    dont speak hebrew 100
    Give me a Break?????

  3. Hanan, Canada on Wed, Jun 27th 2007 4:33 AM

    4. In Canada, the province of Quebec passed a similar law years ago to preserve the French culture and language.

  4. TMA on Thu, Jun 28th 2007 10:33 PM

    5. As a tourist currently in Israel (just for about 50 more hours!), I very much appreciate the quantity of English signage that’s available — but, that said, it’s your country, and I’ll come and plod along as best I can (and ask for help!) in any case.

  5. Jeri Carter on Mon, Jul 2nd 2007 9:26 PM

    6. I, speak english in America and I blieve if you come to my coundy to live then you need to learn english, and i feel the same about Hebrew be if you are just visting, it is good to know a little of the language of the county that you are going to. because we should not have to change our way to your. and when we are in your land you should not change for me

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