"A Traveler's Story" was written by an American attorney and long-time supporter of our efforts. He and his wife have had an experience they are not likely to forget. I have heard many similar tales. I have no comments to add.
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Apropos the reaction of people to Israelis in general I have a personal story to tell.
My wife and I recently enjoyed a two week escorted bus tour of beautiful Ireland. This is the height of the tourist season there and many buses follow similar routes, so one runs into other tour groups on the same route from time to time.
At one stop, outside a shop, many tourists were enjoying an Irish music and dance group. Conspicuous in the audience were a group occupying many benches. There was little space. My wife asked a man if he could move his sweater aside on the bench so she could sit. I didn't hear it, but he declined and suggested she sit somewhere else (there were no other places). When my wife told me the story I observed the group more closely. As a group they were conspicuously ugly and swaggering. I suspected their nationality at the time. From their dress and demeanor my guess is that they had some military connections, both men and women. Anyway, we moved on.
At a later venue we met them again and I asked one of their members where they were from. Israel. The man I spoke to was quite affable. He suggested that the Jews and the Irish had much in common (which may be true in certain historic senses which I won't go into here) in that they had large diaspora populations. I avoided pointing out the differences (I was proud of my restraint!).
Finally, at the end of the tour several bus-loads of tourists attended the usual "singing pub" cabaret event. Not high culture, but pleasant Irish music and very good traditional dancing by four charming young lady dancers were the feature and were enthusiastically received by all the groups (people from the U.S., Scotland and England) - except one. You guessed it. The Israelis. They talked loudly among themselves in conspicuous Hebrew during the entire performance. I would characterize their attitude as "in your face" rudeness and contempt. They did not applaud the performers and exuded an angry hostility. Most of them sauntered out during the performance to the relief of the other attendees. Lest you think me too subjective, a fellow-tourist in our group (a teacher) whispered to me, "Why do they come to Ireland if it makes them so angry!".
I have no idea why they had the attitude they exhibited. Ireland is the friendliest of countries with warm people - but its culture is notably Catholic, which may have something to do with it. Although they are inundated with tourists, they are still remarkable for their courtesy to visitors (naturally I am completely objective), not any easy thing for people overrun by tourists, as you may have noticed if you travel.
I have heard from others that Israeli tourists are not welcome in many places because of their conduct - not politics. I got a graphic illustration. I recognize of course that all Israelis are not such boors but it seems their "success" is making them arrogant.
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Thought for the Day:
"Just face {it}, the Christian guilt is just about over- Isreal today is a global and specifically ... an American and European liability."
(Letter to the Zundelsite)