What is courtesy?
Courtesy is an important value for a civilized culture. It is expressed everywhere: at home, in the community, on social networks, on the street, on the road, at work, in the mall and in the public space.
Let’s re-learn how to improve it.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world”
— Mahatma Gandhi —
Courtesy is a choice. It is the decision to give attention, respect and kindness precisely in the places where we are used to pass quickly without stopping. Courtesy is not just politeness; it is recognition of the value of the other.
The Israeli society faces complex challenges. Research points to a rise in aggression and lack of courtesy in the public space. We believe the time has come to bring back the smile to the Israeli public space.
This initiative was created to illuminate the good deeds that happen every day, and to empower those who choose courtesy over impatience. Together, we can create a more pleasant environment where positive behavior is not just a choice, but a rewarded and appreciated value.
ללא מילים: זו תמצית האדיבות בעינינו.
Appreciation
Smile
Helping Hand
Body Language
Pleasantness
Listening
Courtesy is expressed in different spaces and therefore we encourage you to adopt the values of courtesy described in the Courtesy Charter.
Examples of small gestures > big impact
At home, family and friends
Daily Routine
Helping clear the table, tidying the house and daily chores without being asked.
Support and Appreciation
Using kind words and giving credit for others' successes.
Personal Space and Privacy
Respecting the personal space and privacy of household members, family and friends.
At Work and in the Community
Respect for time
Arriving on time to meetings and punctuality in schedules,
Active Listening
Waiting for the other person to finish speaking without interrupting. Maintaining eye contact and attentive body language.
Visibility and Appreciation
Consideration for others, giving credit/recognition for joint work.
Polite Language
Regular use of the words "Thank You", "Please" and "Excuse Me".
Respectful Language in the Digital World
Respectful and calm wording in emails, WhatsApp and on social networks.
Put Away The Phone
Setting the mobile aside (and silencing/ignoring it) during face-to-face conversations and meetings.
In the Public Space
Priority to Exiting before Entering
Waiting patiently for people to exit doors, for example: a hall, elevator, bus and train.
Holding Doors Open for Others
Holding a door open for the person coming behind us.
Environmental Noise
Avoiding speakerphone calls or loud music in others' spaces, respecting rest hours.
Respecting the Queue
Keeping distance to respect personal space, preventing queue-jumping and keeping passageways clear.
Keeping clean
Cleaning up and disposing of waste after leaving a place.
Giving up a Seat
For an elderly or a challenged individual.
In Business and Services
Treating Service Providers
Addressing employees politely and respectfully.
Patience
Calmly waiting to receive services.
Appreciating Service Providers
Acknowledging the service provider, saying "Thank You" with appreciation and a smile.
While Driving
Giving the Right of Way
Allowing another vehicle to merge into a lane or exit a parking space.
Restrained Use of the Horn
Honking only to prevent danger, not as an expression of anger or impatience.
Signaling before Turning
A considerate message to other drivers that prevents accidents.
Patient & Calm Driving
In traffic jams, behind a parked vehicle, in congestion.
Preventive & Cautions Driving
Keeping distance, driving at the permitted speed, overtaking only on the left.
Pedestrian Right of Way
Full stop at a crosswalk. Wait until they finished crossing. Send a smile!
Positive Communications
Raising a hand as a thank you gesture, smiling at courteous drivers.
Behavior Abroad
We are the Face of Israel
A small gesture of patience, a smile, thanking in the local language builds bridges that no public diplomacy could ever build.
Lowering Tone of Voice
Avoiding speaking loudly in public spaces.
Standing in Line
Quietly standing in line while maintaining personal space puts everyone at ease.
Respecting Service Providers
Leave a positive impression, treat them at eye-to-eye level and thank them for the service with a smile and a tip.
Dress Appropriately
Respect the dress code and local customs.
Cleanliness
Keep the places you stay and public spaces clean.
Polite Behavior
Don't forget to say "Please" and "Thank You" everywhere!
