I find that when I go to Israel, the Jews there are sometimes not so nice or considerate of other Jews. American Jews find Israeli behavior as tough, insulting, rude, and less civil than the way we behave. But I think that out-of-towners feel the same way about Jews living in New York. Whenever I go out-of-town, I am amazed by the hospitality and warmth that the Jews living there exude. They understand better the value of a Jewish brother or sister.
I agree with ames’ post. Well said. It is sad, however, that the E”Y of today is so very different from the one that I remember from 1971 (no, I have never been able to go back, though I have sent all my children there). When I was in E”Y, people were friendly, warm, inviting, eager to help, and never rude. If a woman got on a bus, several men would get up to offer her a seat. If an elderly person got on, men and women would all get up. Nowadays, I am told you would NEVER see anyone get up even for a pregnant woman with other little kids in tow. If that is so, it is deplorable. I do agree strongly with the idea that out of town Jews feel the need to stick together. There is a camaraderie that you do not always find elsewhere.