Israeli Standard Time And Culture Shock Kick In

By Randi Gordner
 
TEL AVIV – It’s been almost three months into my stay in Israel and culture shock is finally setting in.
 
    The kibbutz part of our program acted as a buffer between our North American familiarities and the oft-overwhelming newness of Israel. Our days were structured, we spoke mostly English and aside from the unique scenery, we could have been in the middle of nowhere anywhere on Earth. Six weeks later we were dropped into a working-class residential neighbourhood in Tel Aviv and we were preoccupied with furnishing our apartments, exploring the city and basically getting our lives in order. For the first two months, we had no time to stop and think about what we were doing, we just had to do it. Sure, we realized that there were differences between Israel and North America, but their full effect was only now bubbling to the surface.
 
    Two weeks ago, we finally began our much-anticipated volunteering projects. We had started to become antsy.
 
    Since the high holidays were late, everything basically shut down until the end of October. This meant we could not get into schools or activity centers; meetings with program coordinators were impossible.
 
    During this period of uncertainty and anticipation, we began to notice differences between our group and the Israelis we worked and lived with.
 
    One difference is that Israelis live on a different clock. I am not talking about their use of military time, rather something that is commonly known as ‘Israeli Standard Time’ or IST. Israelis are known for never being on time, or even being concerned with time.
 
    On the kibbutz, I just attributed this to the relaxed atmosphere stemming from a particular lifestyle. My recent move to the city has disproved this theory – and it has certainly been an adjustment.
 
    All my life I have lived by deadlines: school papers are due by this date, appointments are at this time, the bus is leaving at this time. I knew that the world wouldn’t wait for me, if I were late.
 
    Apparently in Israel the world does wait and Israelis take full advantage. For instance, a meeting in Israel never starts on time. If you are on time, you are considered early. A man who moved to Israel from Los Angeles 22 years ago, told me that when he first moved to Israel he would call and let people know if he was going to be late. He was promptly informed the calls were not necessary.
 
    As we waited for our volunteering to begin, we wanted the process to start moving. We were looking for progress, for something so we could stop waiting. I am starting to learn, however, that Israelis aren’t waiting. They are taking their time and enjoying life.
 
    Out of habit we follow the clock, determined to be punctual and make a good impression. Israelis know the meeting will eventually happen, so why worry about being on time? Although it took longer than we would have liked, our volunteering did start, right on time – according to IST. This has been difficult to get used to, and I don’t know if I can let go of my punctual paranoia. On the upside, at least if I sleep in, I won’t have to do much explaining.
 
    After moving into our apartments another distinct difference between cultures became apparent, and this one has proved even more frustrating.
 
    Before I explain, I have to say that most Israelis we have met are wonderful; they are generally welcoming and friendly. We are constantly asked what life is like back home in Canada or the United States, as inquiring minds want to know.
 
    However, just as we had preconceived notions regarding Israelis, many Israelis hold tight to their preconceived opinions of us. According to them, we are all “spoiled Americans.”
 
    I’ll admit, for many of us, life is good in North America. We all received a good education, we have had many opportunities and we generally lead comfortable lives. Even if the Israelis with whom we interact lead similar lives, we are branded as “spoiled” or “greedy.”
 
    We often get together with an Israeli volunteer group down the street. Although they don’t live in the biggest of apartments there are 12 of them living there. The house is comfortable and cozy, but at times it is a bit crowded. Conversely, in our apartment there are only five of us – each with his or her own room – inhabiting the spacious apartment.
 
    When the Israelis see our apartment, they cannot believe our good fortune and attribute it to the fact that we are “American.” The fact that we have each worked years in order to afford this trip and pay our rent means little as they cannot see past this idea that everything is handed to us on a silver platter.
 
    Perhaps there are aspects of life to which we are accustomed that these Israelis see as unnecessary. However, we are all living in Kiriyat Shalom, determined to make some sort of difference. Our Israeli group leaders hope that we can forge a friendship with our neighbours and fellow volunteers. I am cautiously optimistic and hope that as time moves on, our standing as “spoiled Americans” can be replaced by the work we do as volunteers.
 
    No one said that moving to a different country would be easy and I have already experienced my share of ups and downs. However, Tel Aviv is proving to be an exciting city in which to reside and I am enjoying many of the cultural and educational opportunities that it affords.
 
    Although Israel is certainly influenced by the West, this country still maintains a distinct sense of independence and pride. This adds to both the excitement of discovering a new country and the frustration that follows when attempting to integrate into its society. The good news is that I’ve only been here for two and half months and although I may be working on a different clock now, I can’t help but think that the Rolling Stones were right and time is on my side.
 
This article originally appeared in the Jewish Tribune (Toronto) on November 24, 2005.  It can be viewed in its original form here, and the Jewish Tribune's homepage can be found here.  The article is reprinted here with permission from the Jewish Tribune and its contents have not been altered.