There's something unique and different about you Oren; but the most important thing is that it's clear how much trouble you go to for your work. Your efforts aren't wasted, your genuineness shines!
As an Israeli, the best tip I can give tourists is to expect Israeli behavior. We are rude, we didn't hear about personal space, we will shout, ask questions that are way too personal, hug strangers, be too friendly too quickly. Basically, we're like a big family in the best and worse sense. Feel at home, don't let the noise distract you, if somebody shouts at you they have nothing against you, this is their normal speaking voice, just shout back. Feel at home, muster all your Jutspah, don't be afraid to ask for help or tips from locals or haggle on prices, yes, the soldiers will gladly take a picture with you. the more you speak with us the better chance you may find yourself invited to a Shabbat dinner. God, we are crazy.
"the more you speak with us the better chance you may find yourself invited to a Shabbat dinner" Yes, that is good advice. Until now it has remained a dream. Maybe on my next visit.
Maybe it's me, but I didn't find all this behavior to be rude. I thought it was friendly and fun. Besides, there are plenty of people in Israel who don't shout, don't ask personal questions, and give you personal space and privacy. So it depends on a person. Israelis like to think of themselves as rude. Thinking this way is some kind of national sport I don't understand.
You said it man, all true but also so dear to the heart. I could not live any other place in the world. Yes we are a bit tough but kind hearted, and yes we are not perfect. You made me laugh re all big family.
I loved Israel for ALL the reasons you mentioned. My best memory was in the outdoor food market. I was eyeing some amazing bread and trying to resist temptation because I'm so fat. Each bread was so pretty to see. The bread guy must have thought I was poor because he spontaneously said something Hebrew and thrust the bread into my hands. When I looked for money he kept saying stuff and refusing. I heard him say "lo". What a dear, sweet soul. It was almost sabat time so I left. I had someone at the hostel translate in a note about how I was hesitating because of my diet. I went back after sabat ended and paid the guy and bought more of his great bread. He was so kind. My Jewish friend said he was doing a mitzvah. I get the word mikvah confused with mitzvah. One is a blessing and one is a ritual immersion in water. I hope some day to go back to Israel but not in the summer.😂
I've come across your wonderful channel since the October 7th massacre. My heart goes out to you and your fellow countrymen. My daughter and niece were scheduled to visit Egypt next week but canceled due to the war between Israel and Hamas....it just occurred to me that you must be suffering a lack of tourists as well. I hope your youtube account is monetized enough to see your family through.
An amazing country with amazing people! I fell in love with Tel Aviv in the first minute. Incredibly wonderful, friendly, creative and interesting people from all over the world live here. Thanks for being so cool❤
Your English is great for tourists from around the world. For those of us who speak Spanish and understand basic English, your pronunciation is ideal. ☺️💖🇨🇱🇮🇱
As a native English speaker who has a good sense of our language - I noticed right away how Oren is very good about his clear pronunciation of each word. He cares very much about his communication. Very impressive.
4:25. Accommodation DOES need two C's and two M's. A double consonant implies that the vowel in front of consonant is SHORT as opposed to LONG. For example, hoped (long O) sounds different that hopped (short O). Pining (long first I) sounds different than Pinning (short first I).
I recently came to Israel on my honeymoon and absolutely loved being there but this video was so accurate. The driving (as we rented a car) was our biggest issue. Parking was difficult and cost a fortune, the drivers terrified me and the constant horn beeping at all hours of the day and night were difficult issues to get used to. However, that being said, it will never stop me from wanting to return because the country is so beautiful and my Judaism felt more prominent there. Purim in Israel is the best, also.
I learned how to drive in New York City, where I still live, and even so, the Israeli drivers scare me and I’m afraid to rent a car! But the public transport is good, and my Israeli family usually drives me where I want to go, so I’m lucky.
I never drive in Israel. I will take the train, taxi, light rail, or bus. My last two trips were over Purim. Actually, I was in Jerusalem for Shushan Purim. The first time I felt a bit cheated because the weather was bad, and there was no one in the streets celebrating. So I had to go a second time, and this time it was perfect spring weather and I had a lot of fun.
Try driving in Crete I thought Israel is bad but from the moment I picked the car at the airport people were using their hands to show me what they think about me slow driving while I was trying to understand the rented car.
I think your English is GREAT. I can understand every word. Blessings on your programs. I have been to Israel twice (1995 & 2011). I would come back again, but now I am raising my grandkids.
THANK YOU for such an informative video, and all the others you have produced. I first went to Israel when I was 20 in 1972 and since then I have seen it change dramatically. The strange thing is, even with all its pitfalls (as you so clearly inform us about) Israel has something so special and unique that I always want to keep returning. I honestly don't know what it is, but it draws you in. Some of the best times, and the best people I have met, all happened in Israel. I hope everyone who visits there will have the experience of a lifetime. No place is perfect, and Israel exemplifies that.
My aircraft carrier did a port call to Haifa. First we did a 1-day tour to the Dead Sea/ Masada. Then we did a 2-day tour to Jerusalem/ Sea of Galilee. I really enjoyed everything and everyone. Two things that struck me were how much history has happened in such a small country and how beautiful the woman were.
One thing that comes to mind for me is that they seem to have more outdoor prison guards per capita than any other country in the world. If you were born a prisoner , what would you do ?
@@valerieadams7001 stop victimizing and justify jihad and the Islamic barbarizem it isn't About you and you definitely don't understand shria jihad and radical Islam
Always excellent feedback both on your political and travel u tubes . Always expressed clearly concisely and excellent points We always learn from you because your feedback is interesting truthful and factual Thank you
I’m addicted to your videos, but eventually I’m going to catch up with watching all of them and you won’t be able to keep up with my demand for them. ;)
I love your commentaries and I think you speak really well, not heavily accented at all. I went to Israel in December and it was quite cold, but I loved every minute of it.
Thank you for the video and greetings from Colorado Springs, Colorado. I enjoy your videos and really hope to visit Israel in the future. I am not super religious but I find ancient structures and buildings quite fascinating. Israel seems to have a lot of them.
Since I am coming in October, I have bought your app and your guide booklets! Thank you for putting this all together, I feel much more confident coming on my own now!
Watching this video as an Israely is both interesting and amusing. Most of the things you mentioned are things most Israelies don't like about Israel either :) It's always fun watching Travel Videos! even if it's on your home country. Thanks!
This was the most informative video I've seen in these practical matters, and I do appreciate the quality and work you put into making this. You were easier for me to understand today. Thank you ! Shalom🇮🇱🙏
I have just recently discovered your channel and truly appreciate the information you provide. If my wife and I decide to visit Israel, you will be the first person I try to contact. Please stay safe, my friend.
So glad I watched your videos, The Nesher shared taxi fills that Friday, Saturday affordable transfer issue. I had a great journey on Friday with some nice Spanish people. 66 Shekels verses 160 dollars for a private taxi is a no brainer.
Great vid! Very informative and entertaining. And your Eglish is great. I probably will never get to Israel 🇮🇱, I'm pretty old, lol. That's why I enjoy your vids so much, you let me see what I won't otherwise see till after I die.
The freezing air conditioning you mentioned instantly reminds me of Hong Kong, it is the exact situation where it is really hot outside, but indoor spaces are often freezing cold with so much air conditioning, that it actually made me sick with a lot of running nose the first few days there! Definitely would recommend bringing adequate tissues and paper napkins for sure.
I was fortunate to visit Tel Aviv on business years ago. I had time for a tour to Jerusalem, which was amazing. I really enjoyed the visit, except it was too short. I love Israel and Israelis. I hope to return some day.
Me and my friends loved almost everything about Israel when we visited. The only thing we did not like was the extreme and I mean extreme wait time to get through security at the airport. I mean I understand why they need to do it. But damn, they went through all the dirty underwears LOL and opened and tested all the bottles of lotion my friend bought at dead sea. She had like a dozen bottles. Oh, and the pseduo interrogation we got crossing back to Israel after visiting Petra in Jordan. The guards were nice enough and apologized to us in advance. Then took us all separately to ask us how we know each other, where we went in Jordan, what did we do etc etc. Then they changed and had a different person ask each of us the same questions a 2nd time.
You have a great sense of humor, Oren. Thank you for this great information. And you are easy to understand, accent or no. The accent is cool in my books. So there.
I've been to Israel twice and LOVED it. I can't wait to go back with my family.... . The first time was on a 2 week tour, in 1994. The second time was to spend the summer, on an archeological dig (my grandfather was an archeologist), a few weeks on a Kibbutz, a month on a church building project near Haifa, and a few weeks traveling around. The items mentioned in this video, I experienced. Another annoyance was, people cutting in line. I am not sure if that still happens (I was almost 30 years ago), but it sure was annoying. But, since then, I lived in China for a few years, and no one seems to care about standing in lines (or "queueing").
Oren thank you for your open, honest, generous delivery of your content. I love it! Military Essentials Kit, EDC= every day carry or EDE Every day essentials, Good for anyone who wants to hike and or camp. When I visit Israel I plan to use all your essentials from your app!
The unreasonably high hotel prices in Israel created a surrealistic situation. For instance, for me, as an Israeli citizen, it is cheaper to spend vacation in Greece or in Crete than in Eilat (Israel's South) although Eilat is much closer to my house.
This applies to certain European nations as well. My Holland, Britain, Scandinavia, Switzerland, etc. Easier to take a flight with the whole family to let’s say Thailand and splurge there or in indeed Greece, Albania, Turkey, Ethiopia etc.
Yes, it’s the same here in Ireland as well. It would be cheaper for me to take my family to Spain for a weeks holiday than to stay here in Ireland for a few days!
@@michellel3348 - Question then is: Who still comes to north-west Europe if all is inflated. Victims of our own architectural and cultural tourist succes.
So glad I spent a year in Israel as a student when the country was pleasant, safe, I knew enough Hebrew to get along and by end of year was fluent as I only spoke Hebrew to Israelis. I had the advantage of a place to stay, a centrally heated dorm in Jerusalem near the then-campus of Hebrew U, Givat Ram. Most important, I became fluent in Hebrew by end of year. A lovely time to have been in Israel. And very important, inexpensive for Americans, especially for me, with limited means. I went at the best time, between two wars, a time of peace and happiness.
I thought it was interesting that others mistake your accent as French. My husband and I have also mistaken Hebrew accent as French as well. Your English is excellent, you should be proud. I have the opposite problem as a student of Spanish, I am not very fluid, still think in English, but my accent is nearly perfect, which gets me in trouble with native speakers.
Ha ha ... this is interesting. They think that you know exactly what you want to say and the way how you say it. I did think his accent is French too, but I do not have an other reference.
I think that the apparent similarity between Hebrew and French accents in English is caused by two things: 1. Speakers of these languages spell the letter "R" from deep inside their throat. 2. Both of these languages tend to put a lot of accent to the last letters of the word, which in English sounds as if they were "stepping" on the last syllable (see also the comment above). The second point is important for Hebrew, because signficant information (possesive pronouns, gender suffixes, suffixes for verb tenses etc.) are usually placed in that last syllable.
I love your videos and am learning a lot from them. At 3:37 there is a small spelling mistake - spelling is with 2 lls - not sure if you did that on purpose as a joke tho - lol! please do more videos! YOu are the best spokesperson for Israel that i've seen yet! [ and I am a director or dubbing and in the arts in general - so good job!!!!!]
As an Israeli I have some notes: Public transport on Saturday: Basically what should be remembered is that there is no public transport between November and March between Friday at 16:00 and Saturday at 18:00. And between April and October between Friday at 18:00 and Saturday at 21:00. When there are a lot of exceptions. Especially when it is relevant to tourists. For example, there is a bus service on Saturdays between Haifa and Nazareth and within these cities. Just keep in mind that if you are traveling in PT do not book a flight that lands in Israel after 14:00 on Friday or before 20:00 on Saturday. Regarding Crowded sites. It is very important not to visit during the Jewish holidays of April and September October! because then all the main attractions were over crowded. Other than that if you visit on working days (in Israel is Sunday to Thursday) , the attractions will not be mass at all. As for air conditioners, especially relevant to the European tourist. The Americans freeze much more enclosed spaces than the Israelis.
I have no problems with your accent because my daughter’s husband and his family speak exactly the same, so my ear has grown accustomed! You always have great advice but, since I live in New York City, I never thought Israel was too expensive. The prices are similar, but I suppose it seems expensive to anyone from outside a major city.
@@גליתאנגור-ש1צ I’m sure you are correct, but this video is aimed at tourists, not residents of Israel. As a visitor from New York, I don’t think it’s expensive. But my daughter is a teacher in KS (I don’t want to say the name, but you know the city), and her salary would be considered poverty wages in the States.
@@wotan10950 Hi.. yes I know K.S. :) and you're right! That's another problem. Unfortunately some work sectors, especially in the periphery of the country, suffer from very low salaries 😕
Hi Oren, I love to watch your videos, as you give us so much honest information about a Israel, it is very helpful for people visiting for the first time. God bless you. Are you a tourist guide as well, pls let me know as I’m visiting Israel alone for the very first time .
I just returned from my first trip to Israel and I actually don’t agree with everything you listed. Maybe growing up in New York set my expectations differently, but I did not find my personal space being invaded, nor find it to be overly expensive, nor was I harassed by any of the vendors in Old Jerusalem (although I did get the expected sly sales tactics..). I visited Jerusalem on a Friday and the streets were all but deserted, as was the Church of the Holy Sepulcher - and this was at maybe 10am. I guess I got very lucky? In any event, although Israel may be small by US standards, it packs a LOT in that space. If you love history, you simply must go. The Western Wall itself - religious significance aside - tells a story of history that I had never appreciated until I visited. Your tips from your videos were most helpful and I thank you for them.
Did you end your video by saying "yalla bye"? Hahaha we say that too in Lebanon! I didn't know you say that as well in Israel. The driving and queuing are also similar in my country most of the time. And we also develop this invisibility power hahaha. That one was funny 😂
Thank you Oren. I am travelling there next year as a pilgrim for religious reasons to soak in the places that Christ walked. Part of that for me is to have a "pilgrim mind" which means be prepared, do not complain, accept the local culture and staying in a Catholic hostel/hotel. I think Galilee region is where I would feel closest to Him.
I agree with you, and I'm an Israeli citiizen. Capernum is awesome. Last year the Italian Embassy put on a celebration of Pier Paolo Passolini's 100th birthday. They did it in Capernum and showed his "Gospel of St. Matthew." It was outdoors and a beautiful evening on the shores of the Kinneret. The crowd was mixed, Jews and Christians. When the movie was over, it got very quiet.
@@tinalettieri Great movie and director, We were there 2months ago in January. Didn't like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem but Galilee region I loved, it is something else.. 25 family members travelled together there and all of us had a profound time.
@@SaintCharbelMiracleworker That's great! I live in Haifa. Did you get to Mt. Carmel and Stella Maris? We had a very hard January this year. Cold and rainy. Unusually so. I lived in Jerusalem the first year I came here. It's important to see the holy sites but to live, not so much. TA is ok in the summer when you can do the beach.
@@tinalettieri We liked Haifa, we got impression of very friendly, diverse cohesive population there. We had lunch at a very nice beach. We spent a day there, visited Stella Maris and Prophet Elijahs cave, took the cablecar, visited the Bahai Gardens and the museum at the university.
Don't worry Oren about your accent in English!! It is quite ok and who cares anyway? Your fantastic videos is the stuff which is important and people care about.
Ok? Oren's accent is distractingly charming. It keeps me coming back for more videos, even though I have no immediate Israel travel plans. I'm sad he no longer does private tours, because I'd love to meet him and compare notes about Australia and Germany.
Yes, TLV and Jerusalem are expensive, crowded, filled with bad drivers and hucksters. Luckily, most of the rest of the country (north & south) is very nice too, with friendlier people, better drivers and lower prices. Best advise is to spend first day in TLV (to get the vibe), then one day in Jerusalem (to check off those boxes) and then a month outside these 2 hellholes and really experience what Israel is all about.
MOOVIT used to be useful/better than Google Maps a few years ago, but now Google Maps is just as accurate for buses and Moovit is full of full screen ads and becoming much less usable
Your English is just fine (and I bet it is not your only foreign language) so to anyone speaking English better (especially our dear English native friends) - how good is your accent in your other languages and how fluent are you? What you do is using the Ivrit "r", which is like the French "r" (and the most common German variant of "r") and you tend to end phrases with a stress at the end (which is very typical for French) - I think that comes from the fact that end-stress is very common in Ivrit as well.
In Tel-Aviv You do have public transportation all the weekend, (Friday and Saturday) Including all the night. This great tourist buses come every 20 minutes, even to some cities out of Tel-Aviv, like Ramat gan, and Herzlia and it is total free (no money).
Shalom Oren 🖐️ after having watched this video second time l was just thinking that perhaps you could make a video about public toilets in Israel. Maybe it sounds silly but when l was in Jerusalem first time l was really struggling with finding public toilets especially in the Old City. Hence, any tips on that subject would be greatly appreciated 😊🤗
Hello, I will be traveling soon with my kid and she uses the bathroom a lot, I was planning to buy a portable potty and a pop up privacy tent, any tips that might be helpful? Sorry don’t know what to expect or if there is alot of restrooms available, your help is greatly appreciated
Meir Shalev's quote is too funny. His list of published books looks very interesting. Any recommendations for a children's book for grade school girls ? Also another great video. well done.
The most annoying thing for me in Israel was: Apparently nobody wants to let people exit the tram/bus/train, you always have to push your way through the crowd of people who want to enter. PS: Ok, the most annoying thing was: 15 days are not enough. I guess, you have to be there for at least a year to see the basic things. :D
Yes, as a dual American/Israeli citizen for 12 years, I still find it quite annoying that people don't let you off the bus or light rail before they get on. I don't get it.
Hey travelingIsrael. Thank you for another lesson in Israel touring management. Your videos are jam-packed with vital information needed to navigate 'The Holy Land'. All of God's blessings and protection to you and all those who you love. Thank you.
Oh yeah, you are easily understood. You enunciate every syllable perfectly. Your manner and presentation are quick, precise, and spot-on. Thank you for your videos. God bless you and your work.
I was positive that was a German-Alaskan accent you have! Now if we could just get some real heavy New Jersey mixed into your accent nobody would understand you anywhere. You are a fact man and an excellent teacher and I thank the Lord I found and subscribed to your channel. Always a great listen and watch. Too bad I can't travel or I would hop one of your tours in a second. Take care, buddy.
There's something unique and different about you Oren; but the most important thing is that it's clear how much trouble you go to for your work. Your efforts aren't wasted, your genuineness shines!
Thank you 🙏
Agreed 100%
Agreed!
Agreed. And Oren, your accent is not heavy. No problem understanding you.
Agreed 👌
As an Israeli, the best tip I can give tourists is to expect Israeli behavior. We are rude, we didn't hear about personal space, we will shout, ask questions that are way too personal, hug strangers, be too friendly too quickly. Basically, we're like a big family in the best and worse sense. Feel at home, don't let the noise distract you, if somebody shouts at you they have nothing against you, this is their normal speaking voice, just shout back. Feel at home, muster all your Jutspah, don't be afraid to ask for help or tips from locals or haggle on prices, yes, the soldiers will gladly take a picture with you. the more you speak with us the better chance you may find yourself invited to a Shabbat dinner.
God, we are crazy.
"the more you speak with us the better chance you may find yourself invited to a Shabbat dinner" Yes, that is good advice. Until now it has remained a dream. Maybe on my next visit.
Lol.. everything is true.. I laughed so much 🤣🤣🤣
Maybe it's me, but I didn't find all this behavior to be rude. I thought it was friendly and fun.
Besides, there are plenty of people in Israel who don't shout, don't ask personal questions, and give you personal space and privacy. So it depends on a person.
Israelis like to think of themselves as rude. Thinking this way is some kind of national sport I don't understand.
You said it man, all true but also so dear to the heart. I could not live any other place in the world. Yes we are a bit tough but kind hearted, and yes we are not perfect. You made me laugh re all big family.
I loved Israel for ALL the reasons you mentioned. My best memory was in the outdoor food market. I was eyeing some amazing bread and trying to resist temptation because I'm so fat. Each bread was so pretty to see. The bread guy must have thought I was poor because he spontaneously said something Hebrew and thrust the bread into my hands. When I looked for money he kept saying stuff and refusing. I heard him say "lo". What a dear, sweet soul. It was almost sabat time so I left. I had someone at the hostel translate in a note about how I was hesitating because of my diet. I went back after sabat ended and paid the guy and bought more of his great bread. He was so kind. My Jewish friend said he was doing a mitzvah. I get the word mikvah confused with mitzvah. One is a blessing and one is a ritual immersion in water. I hope some day to go back to Israel but not in the summer.😂
I've come across your wonderful channel since the October 7th massacre. My heart goes out to you and your fellow countrymen. My daughter and niece were scheduled to visit Egypt next week but canceled due to the war between Israel and Hamas....it just occurred to me that you must be suffering a lack of tourists as well. I hope your youtube account is monetized enough to see your family through.
Loving your videos! I'm a citizen for almost 13 years and apparently there's still so much to learn!
The best food I ever had in my life was in Israel. I changed the way I made hummus after I visited there.
An amazing country with amazing people! I fell in love with Tel Aviv in the first minute. Incredibly wonderful, friendly, creative and interesting people from all over the world live here. Thanks for being so cool❤
Your English is great for tourists from around the world. For those of us who speak Spanish and understand basic English, your pronunciation is ideal. ☺️💖🇨🇱🇮🇱
As a native English speaker who has a good sense of our language - I noticed right away how Oren is very good about his clear pronunciation of each word.
He cares very much about his communication.
Very impressive.
4:25. Accommodation DOES need two C's and two M's. A double consonant implies that the vowel in front of consonant is SHORT as opposed to LONG.
For example, hoped (long O) sounds different that hopped (short O). Pining (long first I) sounds different than Pinning (short first I).
I recently came to Israel on my honeymoon and absolutely loved being there but this video was so accurate. The driving (as we rented a car) was our biggest issue. Parking was difficult and cost a fortune, the drivers terrified me and the constant horn beeping at all hours of the day and night were difficult issues to get used to. However, that being said, it will never stop me from wanting to return because the country is so beautiful and my Judaism felt more prominent there. Purim in Israel is the best, also.
I learned how to drive in New York City, where I still live, and even so, the Israeli drivers scare me and I’m afraid to rent a car! But the public transport is good, and my Israeli family usually drives me where I want to go, so I’m lucky.
I never drive in Israel. I will take the train, taxi, light rail, or bus.
My last two trips were over Purim. Actually, I was in Jerusalem for Shushan Purim. The first time I felt a bit cheated because the weather was bad, and there was no one in the streets celebrating. So I had to go a second time, and this time it was perfect spring weather and I had a lot of fun.
Try driving in Crete I thought Israel is bad but from the moment I picked the car at the airport people were using their hands to show me what they think about me slow driving while I was trying to understand the rented car.
The worst driving on my last trip, when I was in a taxi, was in Beer Sheba. The city is growing, but the downtown streets are not.
@@wotan10950 Even as an Israeli I am a lil afraid to drive lol
Your English accent is just fine and you speak very understandable (I wished I could too).
And for sur your channel is one of the best. 💙👍
I think your English is GREAT. I can understand every word. Blessings on your programs. I have been to Israel twice (1995 & 2011). I would come back again, but now I am raising my grandkids.
I wish you guys success, peace and good times
THANK YOU for such an informative video, and all the others you have produced. I first went to Israel when I was 20 in 1972 and since then I have seen it change dramatically. The strange thing is, even with all its pitfalls (as you so clearly inform us about) Israel has something so special and unique that I always want to keep returning. I honestly don't know what it is, but it draws you in. Some of the best times, and the best people I have met, all happened in Israel. I hope everyone who visits there will have the experience of a lifetime. No place is perfect, and Israel exemplifies that.
My aircraft carrier did a port call to Haifa. First we did a 1-day tour to the Dead Sea/ Masada. Then we did a 2-day tour to Jerusalem/ Sea of Galilee. I really enjoyed everything and everyone. Two things that struck me were how much history has happened in such a small country and how beautiful the woman were.
One thing that comes to mind for me is that they seem to have more outdoor prison guards per capita than any other country in the world. If you were born a prisoner , what would you do ?
shut up pro hamas brainwashed western privilege
educate yourself before you spam hatful nonsense and lies @@johngawrylash7732
Stop committing crimes.
@@valerieadams7001 stop victimizing and justify jihad and the Islamic barbarizem
it isn't About you
and you definitely don't understand shria jihad and radical Islam
@@valerieadams7001 Amazing what common sense can do.
🙂
Always excellent feedback both on your political and travel u tubes .
Always expressed clearly concisely and excellent points
We always learn from you because your feedback is interesting truthful and factual
Thank you
I’m addicted to your videos, but eventually I’m going to catch up with watching all of them and you won’t be able to keep up with my demand for them. ;)
I love your commentaries and I think you speak really well, not heavily accented at all. I went to Israel in December and it was quite cold, but I loved every minute of it.
Thank you for the video and greetings from Colorado Springs, Colorado. I enjoy your videos and really hope to visit Israel in the future. I am not super religious but I find ancient structures and buildings quite fascinating. Israel seems to have a lot of them.
Tsafati was my very young tour guide in 1996! I loved everything Israel... I love your videos and information. I’m 83 years... American...
I love the dry humor :-)
And I can assure you, that finding the slowest drivers on the middle lane is a circumstance not limited to Israel
You’re so honest about your country. I don’t know if people from other countries would speak so bravely about their country the way you do.
Since I am coming in October, I have bought your app and your guide booklets! Thank you for putting this all together, I feel much more confident coming on my own now!
Yes i can understand!
Watching this video as an Israely is both interesting and amusing.
Most of the things you mentioned are things most Israelies don't like about Israel either :)
It's always fun watching Travel Videos! even if it's on your home country. Thanks!
כן, זה מעניין להבין איך רואים אותנו מבחוץ..
8:20 whoever is selling both "Free Palestine" and pro-Israel "Super Jew" shirts... I respect the hustle.
This was the most informative video I've seen in these practical matters, and I do appreciate the quality and work you put into making this. You were easier for me to understand today. Thank you ! Shalom🇮🇱🙏
I have just recently discovered your channel and truly appreciate the information you provide. If my wife and I decide to visit Israel, you will be the first person I try to contact. Please stay safe, my friend.
So glad I watched your videos, The Nesher shared taxi fills that Friday, Saturday affordable transfer issue. I had a great journey on Friday with some nice Spanish people. 66 Shekels verses 160 dollars for a private taxi is a no brainer.
Great vid! Very informative and entertaining. And your Eglish is great. I probably will never get to Israel 🇮🇱, I'm pretty old, lol. That's why I enjoy your vids so much, you let me see what I won't otherwise see till after I die.
You’ll enjoy it a lot more if you go before
The freezing air conditioning you mentioned instantly reminds me of Hong Kong, it is the exact situation where it is really hot outside, but indoor spaces are often freezing cold with so much air conditioning, that it actually made me sick with a lot of running nose the first few days there! Definitely would recommend bringing adequate tissues and paper napkins for sure.
I bought your booklets ! Will get your app when we go. Love your videos. Thank you!
Thanks for your handy tips Paul Newman
I was fortunate to visit Tel Aviv on business years ago. I had time for a tour to Jerusalem, which was amazing. I really enjoyed the visit, except it was too short. I love Israel and Israelis. I hope to return some day.
Thanks
Thank you so much!
Me and my friends loved almost everything about Israel when we visited. The only thing we did not like was the extreme and I mean extreme wait time to get through security at the airport. I mean I understand why they need to do it. But damn, they went through all the dirty underwears LOL and opened and tested all the bottles of lotion my friend bought at dead sea. She had like a dozen bottles. Oh, and the pseduo interrogation we got crossing back to Israel after visiting Petra in Jordan. The guards were nice enough and apologized to us in advance. Then took us all separately to ask us how we know each other, where we went in Jordan, what did we do etc etc. Then they changed and had a different person ask each of us the same questions a 2nd time.
That's completely understandable considering the history...
Sure wish they would have been that thorough at the border...
This is such an important video for tourists. You are unique and I appreciate your transparency. I know I will never be able to go to Israel.
You have a great sense of humor, Oren. Thank you for this great information. And you are easy to understand, accent or no. The accent is cool in my books. So there.
I've been to Israel twice and LOVED it. I can't wait to go back with my family.... . The first time was on a 2 week tour, in 1994. The second time was to spend the summer, on an archeological dig (my grandfather was an archeologist), a few weeks on a Kibbutz, a month on a church building project near Haifa, and a few weeks traveling around. The items mentioned in this video, I experienced. Another annoyance was, people cutting in line. I am not sure if that still happens (I was almost 30 years ago), but it sure was annoying. But, since then, I lived in China for a few years, and no one seems to care about standing in lines (or "queueing").
So correct about both Israel and China.
it definitely still happens. we suck at standing in line properly
Excellent as always! I already purchased your booklets, and will definitely get your app when I'm heading to Israel! Shalom!
Oren thank you for your open, honest, generous delivery of your content. I love it! Military Essentials Kit, EDC= every day carry or EDE Every day essentials, Good for anyone who wants to hike and or camp. When I visit Israel I plan to use all your essentials from your app!
The unreasonably high hotel prices in Israel created a surrealistic situation. For instance, for me, as an Israeli citizen, it is cheaper to spend vacation in Greece or in Crete than in Eilat (Israel's South) although Eilat is much closer to my house.
This applies to certain European nations as well.
My Holland, Britain, Scandinavia, Switzerland, etc. Easier to take a flight with the whole family to let’s say Thailand and splurge there or in indeed Greece, Albania, Turkey, Ethiopia etc.
Yes, it’s the same here in Ireland as well. It would be cheaper for me to take my family to Spain for a weeks holiday than to stay here in Ireland for a few days!
@@michellel3348 - Question then is: Who still comes to north-west Europe if all is inflated.
Victims of our own architectural and cultural tourist succes.
So glad I spent a year in Israel as a student when the country was pleasant, safe, I knew enough Hebrew to get along and by end of year was fluent as I only spoke Hebrew to Israelis. I had the advantage of a place to stay, a centrally heated dorm in Jerusalem near the then-campus of Hebrew U, Givat Ram. Most important, I became fluent in Hebrew by end of year. A lovely time to have been in Israel. And very important, inexpensive for Americans, especially for me, with limited means. I went at the best time, between two wars, a time of peace and happiness.
“When the country was pleasant, safe … “ It still is. What makes you think that changed? Just returned two weeks ago.
@@sabrinafair35 I'm sure it is.
how do you say 5 dancers in yiddish?
May inask you, what you did to learn the hebrew please? Did you train yourself? How? Please give me advise🙏🙏🙏
I thought it was interesting that others mistake your accent as French. My husband and I have also mistaken Hebrew accent as French as well. Your English is excellent, you should be proud. I have the opposite problem as a student of Spanish, I am not very fluid, still think in English, but my accent is nearly perfect, which gets me in trouble with native speakers.
Ha ha ... this is interesting. They think that you know exactly what you want to say and the way how you say it. I did think his accent is French too, but I do not have an other reference.
I wondered why it sounded French to me (although I could tell it wasn't). I looked it up and found it was because of the uvular rs.
Maybe it's because both Hebrew and French like emphasising words at the last syllabe.
I think that the apparent similarity between Hebrew and French accents in English is caused by two things: 1. Speakers of these languages spell the letter "R" from deep inside their throat. 2. Both of these languages tend to put a lot of accent to the last letters of the word, which in English sounds as if they were "stepping" on the last syllable (see also the comment above). The second point is important for Hebrew, because signficant information (possesive pronouns, gender suffixes, suffixes for verb tenses etc.) are usually placed in that last syllable.
Beautiful to walk through yerushalayim at night. Happy Yerushalayim day to everyone
Love your videos my wife and myself will be going to Israel in May of next year!!!!
I love your videos and am learning a lot from them. At 3:37 there is a small spelling mistake - spelling is with 2 lls - not sure if you did that on purpose as a joke tho - lol! please do more videos! YOu are the best spokesperson for Israel that i've seen yet! [ and I am a director or dubbing and in the arts in general - so good job!!!!!]
I understand ver well, crystal clear. Thank for all the advice.
As an Israeli I have some notes:
Public transport on Saturday: Basically what should be remembered is that there is no public transport between November and March between Friday at 16:00 and Saturday at 18:00. And between April and October between Friday at 18:00 and Saturday at 21:00. When there are a lot of exceptions. Especially when it is relevant to tourists. For example, there is a bus service on Saturdays between Haifa and Nazareth and within these cities. Just keep in mind that if you are traveling in PT do not book a flight that lands in Israel after 14:00 on Friday or before 20:00 on Saturday.
Regarding Crowded sites. It is very important not to visit during the Jewish holidays of April and September October! because then all the main attractions were over crowded. Other than that if you visit on working days (in Israel is Sunday to Thursday) , the attractions will not be mass at all.
As for air conditioners, especially relevant to the European tourist. The Americans freeze much more enclosed spaces than the Israelis.
I have no problems with your accent because my daughter’s husband and his family speak exactly the same, so my ear has grown accustomed! You always have great advice but, since I live in New York City, I never thought Israel was too expensive. The prices are similar, but I suppose it seems expensive to anyone from outside a major city.
The prices are the same but if I'm not mistaken the salary in the US is 4 times the one in Israel
@@גליתאנגור-ש1צ I’m sure you are correct, but this video is aimed at tourists, not residents of Israel. As a visitor from New York, I don’t think it’s expensive. But my daughter is a teacher in KS (I don’t want to say the name, but you know the city), and her salary would be considered poverty wages in the States.
@@wotan10950 Hi.. yes I know K.S. :) and you're right! That's another problem. Unfortunately some work sectors, especially in the periphery of the country, suffer from very low salaries 😕
I have been there, since June 2018. Visited many historical places. And i miss going back for a visit soon.
Your English is excellent! I enjoyed your video and look forward to my return trip!
I love your concept of turning down the air-conditioning everywhere.
Thank you for being so informative, open an honest! By the way - I love your accent!
Hi Oren,
I love to watch your videos, as you give us so much honest information about a Israel, it is very helpful for people visiting for the first time.
God bless you.
Are you a tourist guide as well, pls let me know as I’m visiting Israel alone for the very first time .
I visited Israel in 2019 and many things you say is exactly so, but I loved it all& would like to visit again.God bless you
It's so true about lines. The pain is almost physical, especially if you don't speak Hebrew.
I just returned from my first trip to Israel and I actually don’t agree with everything you listed. Maybe growing up in New York set my expectations differently, but I did not find my personal space being invaded, nor find it to be overly expensive, nor was I harassed by any of the vendors in Old Jerusalem (although I did get the expected sly sales tactics..). I visited Jerusalem on a Friday and the streets were all but deserted, as was the Church of the Holy Sepulcher - and this was at maybe 10am. I guess I got very lucky?
In any event, although Israel may be small by US standards, it packs a LOT in that space. If you love history, you simply must go. The Western Wall itself - religious significance aside - tells a story of history that I had never appreciated until I visited.
Your tips from your videos were most helpful and I thank you for them.
I am happy to read this!
Intersting
Thank you Joe. This is not a welcome pack really of Israel. Israel is amazing and people here will help you if you are in trouble.
@Blessed I am jewish but respect all religions.
Thanks for the information.. I visited Israel in the 70s. I certainly want to come back..
Thank you very much for your tips !
Yet another great video, Oren. Did you mean to deliberately spell "Spelling" wrongly in the heading to section "3. Speling and Names of places"?
Yes :)
I love your video's! Very good.
I love how you misspelt Spelling....lol
I have been to Israel three times. I would love to go again. Also it is best to go on a tour the first time so one gets know the country better.
Your english is perfectly clear and easy to understand.😉
Did you end your video by saying "yalla bye"? Hahaha we say that too in Lebanon! I didn't know you say that as well in Israel.
The driving and queuing are also similar in my country most of the time. And we also develop this invisibility power hahaha. That one was funny 😂
No reason to worry about your accent. Your grammar is great, and you are perfectly intelligible.
Thank you Oren. I am travelling there next year as a pilgrim for religious reasons to soak in the places that Christ walked. Part of that for me is to have a "pilgrim mind" which means be prepared, do not complain, accept the local culture and staying in a Catholic hostel/hotel. I think Galilee region is where I would feel closest to Him.
Right. Making sure it lines up right before I pick up my pivot and take advantage of that first step. Not tryna miss my shot while way out yonder😂
I agree with you, and I'm an Israeli citiizen. Capernum is awesome. Last year the Italian Embassy put on a celebration of Pier Paolo Passolini's 100th birthday. They did it in Capernum and showed his "Gospel of St. Matthew." It was outdoors and a beautiful evening on the shores of the Kinneret. The crowd was mixed, Jews and Christians. When the movie was over, it got very quiet.
@@tinalettieri Great movie and director, We were there 2months ago in January. Didn't like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem but Galilee region I loved, it is something else.. 25 family members travelled together there and all of us had a profound time.
@@SaintCharbelMiracleworker That's great! I live in Haifa. Did you get to Mt. Carmel and Stella Maris? We had a very hard January this year. Cold and rainy. Unusually so. I lived in Jerusalem the first year I came here. It's important to see the holy sites but to live, not so much. TA is ok in the summer when you can do the beach.
@@tinalettieri We liked Haifa, we got impression of very friendly, diverse cohesive population there. We had lunch at a very nice beach. We spent a day there, visited Stella Maris and Prophet Elijahs cave, took the cablecar, visited the Bahai Gardens and the museum at the university.
I absolutely just love your videos. The best info on traveling in Israel.
You accent is easy to understand and your English vocabulary is very strong. I immediately liked to listen to your channel.
💪✋❤️this channel saved my trip. Thanks for Moovit. Its so easy to buy tickets now. Thank You very much
We love your videos. When we come to Israel, we hope to meet you and thank you.
But we won't interrupt if you are making a video.
I want to come and visit, but I'm retired and have limited funds. Love your channel while I wait to find a way.
כל הכבוד, גאווה ישראלית.
שיהיה לך הרבה בהצלחה
One of my favorite destination, i hope i could visit it someday. cheers from morocco
Don't worry Oren about your accent in English!! It is quite ok and who cares anyway? Your fantastic videos is the stuff which is important and people care about.
Ok? Oren's accent is distractingly charming. It keeps me coming back for more videos, even though I have no immediate Israel travel plans. I'm sad he no longer does private tours, because I'd love to meet him and compare notes about Australia and Germany.
Yes, TLV and Jerusalem are expensive, crowded, filled with bad drivers and hucksters. Luckily, most of the rest of the country (north & south) is very nice too, with friendlier people, better drivers and lower prices. Best advise is to spend first day in TLV (to get the vibe), then one day in Jerusalem (to check off those boxes) and then a month outside these 2 hellholes and really experience what Israel is all about.
Love ur channel
Thankyou my friend. Was there and am planning to visit again
You are so much more than a guide. A wonderful ambassador for Israel. I want to go but it will be 4/5 years away.
Your English is simple and easy to understand and your articulation superb 🎉
MOOVIT used to be useful/better than Google Maps a few years ago, but now Google Maps is just as accurate for buses and Moovit is full of full screen ads and becoming much less usable
@@HNSXD99.Arabic no, you!!!
I agree, google maps was excellent for the buses in Tel-Aviv. It's also very good when driving too.
Your English is just fine (and I bet it is not your only foreign language) so to anyone speaking English better (especially our dear English native friends) - how good is your accent in your other languages and how fluent are you? What you do is using the Ivrit "r", which is like the French "r" (and the most common German variant of "r") and you tend to end phrases with a stress at the end (which is very typical for French) - I think that comes from the fact that end-stress is very common in Ivrit as well.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. I think your accent and your English are awesome!
I like your accent Oren, it reminds me of the wonderful warm, friendly and helpful Israeli people I met in Jerusalem just prior to the pandemic.
Loved this video!!❤
In Tel-Aviv You do have public transportation all the weekend, (Friday and Saturday) Including all the night. This great tourist buses come every 20 minutes, even to some cities out of Tel-Aviv, like Ramat gan, and Herzlia and it is total free (no money).
Shalom Oren 🖐️ after having watched this video second time l was just thinking that perhaps you could make a video about public toilets in Israel. Maybe it sounds silly but when l was in Jerusalem first time l was really struggling with finding public toilets especially in the Old City. Hence, any tips on that subject would be greatly appreciated 😊🤗
Hello, I will be traveling soon with my kid and she uses the bathroom a lot, I was planning to buy a portable potty and a pop up privacy tent, any tips that might be helpful? Sorry don’t know what to expect or if there is alot of restrooms available, your help is greatly appreciated
@@stephr8924 you can usually get into stores and ask to use their toilet. Especially with a kid they are more likely to let you.
Meir Shalev's quote is too funny. His list of published books looks very interesting. Any recommendations for a children's book for grade school girls ? Also another great video. well done.
remember my vacations in 2015 for 2 weeks I really enjoyed it! With to visit again hope it will be possible soon..
Thank you for the videos, very informative and helpful.
The most annoying thing for me in Israel was: Apparently nobody wants to let people exit the tram/bus/train, you always have to push your way through the crowd of people who want to enter.
PS: Ok, the most annoying thing was: 15 days are not enough. I guess, you have to be there for at least a year to see the basic things. :D
Yes, as a dual American/Israeli citizen for 12 years, I still find it quite annoying that people don't let you off the bus or light rail before they get on. I don't get it.
Thes videos are awesome for olim too!
In my opinion going by my ear, your accent is more predominantly German and I hear a little Hebrew. Overall very unique! Oran you are one of a kind! 😁
Thanks for sharing this info. about Israel ,planning to visit one day ❤
First time viewer. Your English and accent is more than good! Great vid.
Always love your video's !! ...thank you...
Hey travelingIsrael. Thank you for another lesson in Israel touring management. Your videos are jam-packed with vital information needed to navigate 'The Holy Land'. All of God's blessings and protection to you and all those who you love. Thank you.
Oh yeah, you are easily understood. You enunciate every syllable perfectly. Your manner and presentation are quick, precise, and spot-on. Thank you for your videos. God bless you and your work.
Wow! Wonderful! So informative. Thank you
ISRAELIS ARE SO WARM HEARTED AND BEAUTIFUL.
THEY ARE A TOUGH PEOPLE
I was positive that was a German-Alaskan accent you have! Now if we could just get some real heavy New Jersey mixed into your accent nobody would understand you anywhere. You are a fact man and an excellent teacher and I thank the Lord I found and subscribed to your channel. Always a great listen and watch. Too bad I can't travel or I would hop one of your tours in a second. Take care, buddy.
Very nice video! Keep up the excellent work.
Great summary.👍