Advice on how to tackle Israeli bureaucracy, a list
- Sometimes it’s better to be on time than early
- A rav kav is not a valid form of identification
- Bring your ID EVERYWHERE
- In my case, also bring your immigrant ID EVERYWHERE
- When you’re told no, ask again
- When you’re told no about something that you know should be a yes (as per official documents), ask again until you’re told yes
- Pack patience in your backpack
- Also pack snacks – you’re going to need them
- Get ready to wait
- When you’re waiting, don’t complain – there’s nothing you can do but be happy when they finally call your name (even if it takes a solid 4 hours)
- Bring coffee
- Ask questions if something is unclear
- Ask until you finally get some semblance of clarity
- When you need a break (or some more coffee or cariot), ask
- Keep asking, but know where the line is and when you’re about to cross it
- Laugh at the absurdity (but not too loud because then you’ll REALLY be branded as the Weird American)
- Use your words
- Use all your Hebrew words until your Hebrew vocabulary is drained
- Be nice
- Have fun!
Sophie jacobs 
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