Even though I love Israel (and surprise, surprise, Israelis) and can’t imagine living anywhere else in the world, there is one thing I would change about Israeli society in a heartbeat, if I could. To be sure, there are actually several things I would change, but none as urgently as the Israeli mentality of “magee’a li†(I deserve this), their sense of entitlement.
 It’s hard to think that Israel could have even been established if this was the kind of mentality that would have been popular back then. Actually, in reality, it was quite the opposite. Many foundations of the State of Israel are actually based on selflessness, and consideration of others. Take the kibbutz for example. It’s a settlement where everyone is equal, everyone pitches in and everyone is taken care of. No one is better than anyone else.
 Israel’s Law of Return also illustrates the mentality of consideration- every Jew is allowed to become a citizen of Israel, regardless of previous nationality, financial situation or level of religious observance. The State of Israel went to great means to encourage aliyah, including funding “Operation Magic Carpetâ€, airlifting tons of North African Jews to Israel. All this in a time where Israel really didn’t have the means to absorb them.
 That’s changed now. People are more interested in getting on the bus first than helping the old lady with the packages. Don’t want to listen to Chris Brown’s newest song? Too bad, because the guy sitting behind you is playing his mp3 very loudly and he doesn’t feel like putting on his headphones.
The street and highway provide ample expression for this mentality of entitlement. People park their cars in the middle of the street which disrupts traffic, and cut people off on the highway. Cars that move aside for ambulances are considered “suckers†(friars).
There’s a whole big world out there that doesn’t revolve around you as an individual person. Invest in some headphones.
