Israelis Abroad Conceal Nationality Amid Rising Antisemitism, Poor Behavior

A growing number of Israelis are choosing to hide their nationality while traveling abroad due to rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment, according to Professor Rafi Karaso writing for Maariv. Karaso himself has reportedly identified as Italian, French, or Cypriot to strangers and speaks Hebrew quietly in public to avoid potential aggression.

While acknowledging external factors like increased antisemitism and political propaganda contribute to negative perceptions, Karaso argues that the behavior of some Israeli tourists also damages the country's reputation. He cited incidents where Israeli tourists allegedly disregarded local laws and customs, including a barbecue in a hotel room in Batumi that required firefighters and a wildfire on Crete started by a tourist lighting a grill despite warnings.

Karaso believes these incidents create an image of Israelis as tourists who ignore local regulations and act as they please, negatively impacting other Israeli citizens. He also criticized the Israeli Foreign Ministry for using taxpayer money to assist Israelis who intentionally break foreign laws, suggesting such aid should not be provided when rules are deliberately ignored.

Karaso emphasized that this criticism does not excuse antisemitism but urges Israelis to recognize that their conduct abroad directly influences how their country is perceived. He called on Israeli tourists to view international travel as an added responsibility, stressing that adherence to laws, respect for others, and basic courtesy can help improve attitudes towards Israelis.