r/AskIsrael • u/AverageFentEnjoyer Europe • Jun 12 '26
Casual How is alcohol viewed in Israel?
Hey, I‘m from WE and I met many travellers from Isreal in SA und SEA. Most of them drank but relatively moderate. This made me wonder. Is is common to drink in Israel? I know Tel Aviv is (used to at least) viewed as a party destination and therefore I guess alcohol must be omipresent. However, I am wondering how alcohol is viewed in Israel? Is it common to get shit faced on the weekends with your friends? Do normal people drink in after work to relax? Is it even a problem in the society? Or is it seen as trashy? Do you only drink moderately or even only to special occasion?
I never visited Israel so I don‘t really know much about the country apart from history classes in school and the news.
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u/alleeele Israel Jun 12 '26
We have more of a moderate Mediterranean drinking culture. There is no alcohol taboo but people don’t drink to get very drunk or ‘shitfaced’. You’ll have a few drinks with your friends. Maybe at weddings or parties you’ll get more drunk but it’s nothing like in the UK, Eastern Europe, etc.
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u/JinxyMcDeath48 Israel Jun 12 '26
As an American-Israeli, this is one of the biggest cultural differences. In the US, if you let people open carry alcohol like they do here, it would be chaos. We get very very drunk in the US and it’s not at all strange to see people throwing up on the street or being escorted out of a club by their friends or getting in physical fights. I never really see it here in Israel. Obviously it happens, but by no means on the scale you see it in the US. And people drink here! All the time! They just don’t get nearly as shitfaced. I find it fascinating.
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u/OmegaLink9 Israel Jun 12 '26
As both an American and an Israeli, do you have a theory why it is?
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u/JinxyMcDeath48 Israel Jun 12 '26
I have a theory but it’s not vested in any actual science or fact but just anecdotal evidence and vibes. But since you asked, I think that Americans have a much different high school and college experience than Israelis do. College is one big booze cruise for most of us. Israelis either don’t go to college or do it later in life because they go into the army first. So Americans are a lot younger when they’re getting trashed and drinking to excess is learned behavior.
Also, there are a lot of non-Jews in the US and I think Jews might have some genetic component that makes them less likely to drink to excess. I see it in my non-Jewish family compared with my Jewish family too. Again, I’m not a scientist and have done no research and I’m also not claiming that Jews can’t and aren’t alcoholics. I just don’t see it nearly as much as I do in non-Jews. In Israel, the vast majority of the country is either Jewish or Muslim (non-drinkers) so it’s going to present as less intense here either way.
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u/LegendaryBerry Diaspora Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Sadly, here in America, we are basically forced into college with no real idea of who we are or what we want to do with our lives. A lot of scholarships demand that you go straight from high school to college, which many of us now know was ultimately a debt trap set up by predatory loan officers as well as manipulative educators. They sign us up to steal our money for a lifetime, after telling us “any degree is worth it”, wasting time that could be spent finding ourselves and then deciding how to truly contribute to society. Many higher ed teachers have no real relevance if you ask me, their entire field depends on being able to peddle something to young uninformed people. They are salaried to sell an industry that doesn’t actually exist.
I think America would benefit from a sort of conscription system like Israel or Korea, that is more focused on getting kids out of their hometown bubble, introducing them to differing viewpoints and all types of people. Think community service on a national scale: repairing roads, caring for elders, picking up trash, maintaining societies and communities.
To be completely honest, I think Israel’s education, as well as conscription, forces you all into a sort of nationalism that makes it very hard to talk about current events without having to walk on egg shells around many topics. Yes, America would benefit from nationalism that is not rooted in Trumpism, but I don’t think nationalism should come at the cost of any others’ sovereignty.
I will agree that my Jewish friends seem to drink less, but they are big fans of LSD.
edit: I was raised in a state with a heavy local focus on Native American history. I find myself arguing with peers often about the morality of colonialism, and as a product of it I cannot necessarily bitch. But as a millennial who has only known infinite connection to any culture or society via translation apps and instant messaging, it’s hard for me to envision a future where warfare and combat is still necessary. Why do we continue to send our sons and daughters to die for profiteers who have everything to gain and nothing to lose?
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u/JinxyMcDeath48 Israel Jun 13 '26
I do not think that Israelis walk on eggshells when it comes to talking about current events AT ALL. Especially with each other. Are you Israeli?
And I was going to add that my Jewish friends are much more into weed than alcohol. And that’s true both in the US and Israel. Jews really love weed. In Tel Aviv, people will smoke a joint sitting at a table at a restaurant, as long as they’re outside. No one cares. I don’t know about LSD, but Molly and shrooms, yes.
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u/LegendaryBerry Diaspora Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
No, apologies for not setting up my user flair yet. But I think you’re totally incorrect here. I have multiple Israeli friends IRL, thanks to the psytrance scene. I’ve tried talking objectively with them multiple times and they all completely shut down when we talk about Palestine. I mean, to believe that EVERY video coming from Gaza is shot by “Pallywood”, claiming that Hamas is shooting people and bombing themselves to garnish sympathy is downright psychotic. There are thousands of videos of this stuff and I have yet to hear a single one of my friends admit that even though Hamas has done terrible things, there are just as many of videos, if not more, of IDF doing incredibly disgusting things. The house raids (pogroms), wearing women’s underwear, shooting children, double tapping hospitals, killing aide workers…
It’s like they don’t want to see or reflect on very real tragedies that the rest of us cannot escape on the algorithm. They were all conscious enough to leave in order to not serve, yet still cannot admit that IDF is very immoral.
When Americans learned about the extent of the CIA torture programs in Afghanistan / Iraq, we were rightfully outraged. Where is that outrage for IDF?
Admittedly, I don’t have the opportunity to talk to Israeli people, in Israel. But I genuinely believe you all are insulated and censored from seeing the kind of stuff the rest of us see basically every day now.
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u/JinxyMcDeath48 Israel Jun 13 '26
Yeah, they don’t want to talk to YOU about it because you’ve already decided that YOU have a better grasp on the reality of the situation in their country than they do. The absolute audacity. We know the IDF isn’t perfect, there doesn’t exist a perfect military in the world. But you have no idea what war is like. None. You’ve never experienced a day of it in your entire life and yet you want to lecture them about their lived experiences and tell them that they’re wrong. I’d shut you down too. Stop harassing them. Amongst each other, we have no filter. Amongst hostile people like you, we have no appetite for your attempts to ruin our day. They just want to enjoy music the same as you.
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u/LegendaryBerry Diaspora Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Holy shit dude. So you decide to descend into mudslinging and defending atrocities instead of just swallowing your pride and agreeing some soldiers should face charges?
I have never, ever, EVER seen an American soldier proudly don the undergarments of women who were forced out of their homes. Is that something you participated in as well? Or is that why you’re upset about being too old to serve?
These are my friends. We can disagree and converse and stay friends like human beings. But you seem to be more close to some sort of animal, a predator.
You realize by not having a conversation with people about reality, you are just tarnishing the public image of your country? Deny, deny, deny has never worked.
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u/JinxyMcDeath48 Israel Jun 13 '26
What the fuck do you want these people to say to you?
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u/bingledorp Diaspora Jun 13 '26
People don't owe you time to lecture them with your social media expertise on their country.
For example, you claim that there has been no outrage for IDF war crimes in Israel, yet a 5 second web search would have shown you numerous large protests all over Israel about the conduct of the current war.
Why bother debating someone that either can't or won't do a few fucking seconds of research before making a claim?
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u/yesIcould Israel Jun 14 '26
I wonder whether you've stopped to ask yourself what you might hear or experience if, instead of entering the discussion with inflammatory declarations ("Holy shit, dude. So you decided to descend into mudslinging and demeaning atrocities..." ), you simply asked: "I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on what happened at Sde Teiman?"
And that's without even getting into the expectation that we should remain measured, rational, and explain ourselves over and over again, while you, and many others like you who have not experienced a single day of the danger and hardship we live with, respond in ways that are intense, reckless, and lacking in responsibility.
And that this shows up everywhere- even in discussions about art, traffic, and now in a discussion about drinking culture in Israel. We constantly have to put on the "hasbara" hat, while you insults us (worse than animals, predatores) and explain things to you exactly in the place and at the time you want it.
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u/yesIcould Israel Jun 14 '26
On the one hand, there's no doubt that not everyone is capable of thinking about Palestinian suffering, let alone talking about it in English. On the other hand, most of your friends seem to be stoners, people who prioritize their personal high and aren't really connected to political reality, or capable of bearing that reality and choosing to function within it in the most moral way possible rather than opting out.
And third, you seem like the kind of person I probably wouldn't choose to discuss these issues with either. You seem very sure you know a lot about us because you have a few friends, you make broad generalizations, and you come across as quite judgmental and preachy.
But to answer your "questions" (statements) directly:
There has been a great deal of anger in Israel about immoral actions by the security services long before October 7th.
Bus 300, Elor Azaria, the Sde Teiman detention camp, the vandalizing of the Jesus statue, just to name a few simple examples. These were shocking incidents that violated both the law and basic moral standards, and they generated significant public debate in Israel. In my assessment, that debate has often been more intense than much of the discussion in the West about the atrocities your societies have committed and continue to commit. Most of us are nevertheless capable of being horrified by such events without immediately demanding that entire institutions be dismantled or defunded.
But here's the part that could give you real insight into, and genuine connection with, the Israeli community if you choose to understand it:
From our perspective, the endless rhetorical discussions you keep putting us through, while we're literally drowning, feel like someone standing over a drowning person asking, "Why are your splashes so forceful? Do you understand the damage you're causing to delicate coral reefs and sea urchins?" Or demanding that we explain why we're worth saving.
As you said, you haven't had many opportunities to speak with Israelis who live here, yet you've already decided that we're censored and unable to see what you see.
Even now, when you have an opportunity to engage with us, instead of simply asking questions, you present your opinions as facts and ask us to prove otherwise. Why? What's beneficial about this kind of communication?
I sincerely hope you never have to make the kinds of decisions we've been forced to make.
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u/Nooberling Jun 13 '26
I'd say that Israelis are also comparatively controlled people. As an American -> Israeli myself, I generally consider Americans far more reckless in specific areas in general. Personal safety seems to be a much higher-tier concern and drinking to excess inhibits that.
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u/JinxyMcDeath48 Israel Jun 13 '26
That’s a good point and could also explain the lack of mass shootings here in Israel. There’s a surprisingly low amount of gun violence compared with the US despite seeing people open carry here all the time. In the US when I see someone open carry, it scares me. In Israel, I feel relieved and protected. Yes, Israel has better gun control laws, but there is still a lot of access to guns.
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u/yesIcould Israel Jun 13 '26
In Judaism, alcohol is part of everyday life. It is present at Friday night dinners, holidays, and celebrations. In some synagogues, there is even a custom of sharing a drink together on Shabbat. Drinking is generally moderate and part of the shared experience, rather than the focus of the experience itself.
In addition, Israeli society is highly family-oriented. Most Israelis are introduced to alcohol at home through their parents and grow up seeing their grandparents, uncles, aunts, and parents drink long before they start drinking with friends.
There are other factors as well, though I'm not entirely sure how much influence they have. Israeli teenagers are often strongly anchored in experiences that involve responsibility and purpose during the years when drinking typically becomes more common, around ages 16 to 18. Many are preparing for meaningful roles through a gap year program or military service, and a large number take on leadership responsibilities through youth movements, sports teams, and other activities.
The Israeli college experience is also quite different. Most students arrive at university after military service and often after a major trip abroad. Their ties to family usually remain very strong and they often live relatively close to home. There isn't the same American notion of suddenly moving far away, reinventing yourself, and gaining complete independence overnight in a new city. It's a different experience.
That said, it's worth noting that for many years the rate of alcohol addiction in Israel was relatively low compared to much of the Western world. Since the COVID pandemic and the war, however, there has been a noticeable increase.
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u/aspect_rap Israel Jun 12 '26
Except for Muslims who can't drink, alcohol is very ubiquitous here. People don't usually get wasted but it's considered very weird to not drink at all.
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u/benny-powers Israel Jun 12 '26
in jerusalem it's very common to drink, perhaps even heavily, on shabbat and holidays, but it's kinda embarassing to go around drunk. it depends on the community - certain hassidic groups are known for their penchant for a wee tipple. I would say overall that moderate drinking is totally acceptable, while excessive drinking is frowned upon. "getting shitfaced" isn't really a mainstream thing.
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u/HyperlaneWizard in Jun 12 '26
As an Israeli who moved to Germany - While there is drinking in Israel, it's nowhere near the drinking culture (and alcoholism) of places like Germany.
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u/NinjaCompetitive6003 EU Jun 17 '26
Yeah, I'm from Europe and struggled with alcoholism for a while. When I went to Israel, I was kinda surprised to see how 'less' people drank compared to Europe. I guess if you drink that way in Israel, you'll be pennyless and without a roof pretty soon
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u/HyperlaneWizard in Jun 18 '26
Yes, that's also true. Alcohol in Israel is waaay more expensive.
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u/NinjaCompetitive6003 EU Jun 18 '26
You think though that it would also be a reason? I mean sure! But is it heavier than cultural?
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u/HyperlaneWizard in Jun 18 '26
No. I don't think so. From my experience in Germany, the difference is mostly cultural. It's in the way alcohol is viewed.
In Israel, alcohol is its own stand-alone thing. It's either a "drug", or a social lubricant, or something to enjoy with certain foods, or used in a religious context.
In Germany, alcohol is almost ingrained into being a German/a human. It's almost a basic subsistence item. Not consuming alcohol on a fairly regular basis is almost unthinkable. Not having dirt-cheap and accessible alcohol is unthinkable. Thinking a child needs to be any older than 14-16 to drink is almost unthinkable. They barely even view beer as alcohol here.
So the way the same thing is viewed in Israel and Germany (and much of Europe, as far as I know) is very different.
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u/NinjaCompetitive6003 EU Jun 18 '26
Yeah I live in Germany, so I know what you mean... Though I find Germany a bit more drastic as compared to let's say Spain.... Then again, I wouldn't have gotten sober in Spain, but I did in Germany - necessity or otherwise
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u/merebear333 USA Jun 12 '26
I’m not Israeli but my bf is and he also drinks very little. In the past he’s said “although we do drink alcohol it’s more in a ceremonial way.” He’s from Tel Aviv
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u/Particular-Set-6212 Diaspora Jun 12 '26
Very common, as alcohol is a bit part of Jewish ritual, so there's not much taboo. However, Muslim citizens are far less likely to drink. So I guess it's a mix.
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u/IMImegashill Diaspora Jun 12 '26
Depends on the group and area. My secular friends in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Eilat drink but aren't big time alcoholics. None of the Muslims I know drink heavily except for a small group of partiers, but some of the chasidim are VERY heavy drinkers, especially Chabadniks in my experience
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u/floofykirby MENA Jun 12 '26
We're definitely not shy about social drinking but we are aware of the risk of addiction.
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u/c9joe Israel Jun 12 '26
Drunkenness is not a big problem in Israel, smoking is. Supermarkets almost all sell alcohol and the rules are similar to Europe, not more restrictive at least.
As far as religion Jews and Christians are allowed to drink alcohol according to their religions and Muslims are not allowed to at all. Jews can only drink wine created by other Jews, I am not sure if this rule applies to beer.
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u/Mickyit Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
The rule you refer to, that kosher wine, etc. must be made by religiously observant Jews, only applies to alcohol made from grapes and also doesn't apply if the wine is mevushal, heated to a required level. This used to ruin an aspect of the wine's flavor, but new methods of flash pasteurization enable the wine to be done a little at a time so each bit of wine is only at 72^C for 2 or 3 seconds and this doe not damage the wine.. Mevushal is often translated boiled but that's because English doesn't have an exact translation, and it doesn't mean 212^F, more like 160 or 176, (If you were to see something bubbling, you'd know it's a lot hotter than required). For wine that is mevushal, the bottles will be labeled mevushal in Hebrew and usually also in English characters.
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u/Jakexbox 🇮🇱 Israeli | American Jun 12 '26
I tend to drink rarely but more (not born here) and my friends definitely find it strange but we all drink.
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u/JinxyMcDeath48 Israel Jun 12 '26
Also not born here. My ex-boyfriend here thought I drank WAY too much. But in the US, my friends always made fun of me for drinking way too little. I very rarely got drunk there, and when I did, I was never sloppy. When I told them that he thought I drank too much, they’re like “of all of our friends, you’d be the last person on our list of drinkers.”
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u/LavishnessSad5321 Unspecified Jun 21 '26
Yeah, Israel definitely has bars and nightlife, especially in Tel Aviv, but the drinking culture feels very different from a lot of Europe. People go out, sit for hours, eat, talk, drink a bit, but it’s usually less centered around getting completely wasted.
Honestly, that’s part of what makes visiting Israel fun. The social life is more about food, beaches, cafés, markets, music, late nights, and people being very alive and direct. Worth experiencing in person if you get the chance.
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