ZD: This makes so much sense.
I bought books in English at a centrally located bookstore in Bnei Brak. I was obviously American. I wondered why all of the price tags on those books were totally in Hebrew. It was probably a big deal to have them in the store in the first place.
In a different store, the guy working there said something in English. Maybe Yes. I don’t remember what. Then when I asked if he spoke he said he doesn’t speak any English. From my observations, Israelis generally boast about their English knowledge, even if it is minimal. He was quick to say the opposite. At the time I thought that was very humble of him. It still was and now I have a little more cultural awareness.
Also… Nefesh B’Nefesh does English tours in Bnei Brak. Some private individuals do so as well.
I wonder how that appears to local Israeli residents when there are groups of “Anglos” walking around speaking in English.
The Bnei Brak Municipality has maps and resources in English. And Hebrew of course. They are so nice there.