Observations on Tel Aviv

One of the most interesting things about Israel are the differences in laws, and the way laws are applied. For example J-walking. I've lived in New York for the past two years, J-walking is not only a necessity its a way of life. No one would ever get anywhere if they didn't regularly challenge the cars for supremacy. I myself have practiced my "stare down" in which not only do I J-walk but I stare down the driver while I do that making them doubly uncomfortable. I feel it works very well.

In Tel Aviv doing that will get you killed. Yes you can J-walk and yes I do, but beware cars will not stop for you. Drivers here aren't as bad as say the ones I saw in China, but they are not good. And the motorcycles zipping between them will get you every time. Add on to that the fact that the cops actually do give tickets for J-walking here, and its just not a good idea.

Another difference in laws between Israel and the US are the drinking laws. The official age of drinking is 18 but because some clubs don't want the soldiers, or the younger crowd (its mandatory to serve in the Israeli army) they restrict their patrons to 25 and above. In addition it is legal to drink in public here, on the street, in the park, on the beach wherever you are. Obviously we as American college students are taking advantage of this, but it is more interesting to consider the impact this has on Israeli culture.

The first Sabbath I was here I went for one of my usual walks at the Hayarkon park across the street and was surprised at the quantity of people and the atmosphere. Generally the park is full of people biking, walking dogs, running, walking and sitting but today there were huge groups clustered around picnic tables, barbecues, coolers and blankets. They were drinking, laughing and making merry. This was Tel Aviv's Sabbath.