8 Types of Guys You’ll Date In Israel
This piece was contributed by Masa Israel Journey — for more information, click here.
No matter where in Israel your travels take you, you’re bound to fall for at least one or maybe all of these guys below. Take a gander and find out which guy is your beshert (soulmate)!
1. The Hottest Man You’ll Ever Date
Somehow, Israeli men are always tan, no matter what time of year it is. The melting pot of Jewish cultures that is Israel has created the gorgeous, ethnically ambiguous modern Israeli man. Whether you’re into brown eyes or green eyes, dark hair or blonde hair, he will most definitely have the perfect amount of chest hair and will by far be the hottest man you’ll ever date.
2. The Just-Back-From-India-Or-South-America-Or-Where-ever-he-took-his-post-IDF-Trip-Guy
He finished his army service and left immediately for India or South America or another ridiculously inexpensive country where he spent the last year or two. He just got back and is living with his parents in suburb of Tel Aviv, still rocking his perfectly worn-out Blundstones, long hair (likely a man bun), and facial scruff, if not a full-on beard. His stories of countries you didn’t even know existed fascinate you on your late walks down the namal (port) in Tel Aviv. He’ll teach you yoga and meditation, and you’ll fall hard until he breaks your heart because he’s planning another trip…
3. The Partier
This guy will be the first to approach you at the bar; he’ll be standing with 10 of his friends and probably spend the solid portion of the day drinking. And one last thing, don’t try to keep up with his party meter, because you can’t. He is a ball of energy that never stops.
4. The Israeli Pauly D.
Remember ‘Jersey Shore’ (z”l)? If you’re into overly gelled hair, fake tans, possibly fake muscles, and men’s jewelry then you’ll say yes to a having date with the Israeli Pauly D. This guy has a perfectly shaven chest and sits on the beach with an amp, blaring songs like “I’m a Golden Boy” and “Habibi Galbi.” If he isn’t on the beach, he’s probably at the mall rocking tight short shorts and wearing more bling than 2 Chainz. Feel free to throw this guy a fist pump.
5. The Tinder Guy
Don’t even lie – you know the first thing you will do when you find WiFi is check Tinder. You’re in Israel, so you won’t do anything but Swipe Right like it’s your job, sort of like the guys in America do. Your profile will include the fact that you are an American looking to explore Israel because you know from your Birthright trip, Israeli guys want to have fun with Americans. Of course, you’ll have to deal with a few guys who know zero English and keeps messaging you in Hebrew, regardless of your response. And then, you’ll match with the Tinder guy who seems cool wants to practice his English, and, most importantly, wants to be your personal tour guide.
6. The Startup Guy
When you date the startup guy, you might literally be dating the Next. Big. Thing. You came to Israel because you’re fascinated by the startup scene, and you always wanted to date Thomas Middleditch from HBO’s ‘Silicon Valley.’ Now every guy you meet on the streets, in a café or on the beach is an even more attractive (see #1) version of Thomas Middletditch, with an even cooler startup. You will see this guy here and there because he’s always working and pitching to investors. Whether it lasts or not, keep in touch with this guy because you don’t know where he’ll and/or his company will be in a few years, but you’ll definitely want to have him as a LinkedIn connection.
7. The Security Guard
If you’ve been on an organized Israel trip, then you know what I’m talking about. Whatever bus, tour or hike you’re on to see another beautiful part of Israel, there’s always an even more beautiful man guarding your group. The security guard seems like the strong silent type – after all, he is there to keep you safe. Then, you’ll just happen to find yourself in the back of the line, walking/hiking/sightseeing next to him and he strikes up a conversation. He tells you crazy stories about his army service, his adventures in India/South America/elsewhere (see #2), and nights out with his buddies. You can’t get enough of this guy. One thing leads to another, and you’re out drinking beers and kanoodling in the corner. However, you both know it’s just a “thing” and as soon as he protects another trip you’re yesterday’s news.
8. The Guy from the North
You’ve fallen for the most beautiful part of Israel, the North and now you’ve fallen for one of the good-looking men. You met him on a weekend trip to the Galilee, and he ended up being your tour guide. He showed you all the cool hiking spots and the best Bedouin eats. You now are obsessed with hiking and only wear Blundstones or Source sandals.
A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.
Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO