Young Judaea Year Course - Program In Israel - Ben Freed - "Famous And Flirtatious"

It was just a regular Monday afternoon in Tel Aviv. I was on a weeklong break from my Young Judaea Year Course Israel Experience in Haifa, and I was wandering around the Neve Tzedek area in south Tel Aviv. The neighborhood is known for its artsy feel, great galleries and terrific restaurants. As I walked up Pinnes Street (I'm really not sure how that's supposed to be pronounced...), I noticed there was a commotion up ahead, so naturally I went to check it out.

It turned out they were filming a commercial for Pelephone (an Israeli pun that means "wonder phone" and has come to mean cell phone, since Pelephone was the first mobile phone provider in Israel). Pelephone has been shooting a series of commercials with Ninet Tayeb, the winner of the first Kochav Nolad (the Israeli version of American Idol). She was paid $400,000 to shave her head in a commercial for them (click here to watch), and has since been in all of their recent commercials.

As I casually strolled about the set, I noticed that unlike in America, there was a very relaxed atmosphere and unprecedented access to the "star" of the shoot. I asked the person who seemed most in charge if I could speak to Ninet. Her answer was the antithesis of what you would get in America: "Why don't you ask her? She's sitting right there in the coffee shop." I find it highly unlikely that you would find Kelly Clarkson (the first American Idol winner) that easily approachable, especially if she was on the set of an advertisement shoot.

Ninet was very nice and quickly granted my request for an impromptu interview.*

*Please note: The interview was conducted in Hebrew, and this is my translation.

Have you heard of Americans coming to Israel to spend a year here, learning and volunteering?
To be honest, no. I've heard of Taglit-Birthright, but that's about all.

Do you think it's important for Jews from America and around the world to come to Israel for an extended period of time?
I think it's very important. We hear in Israel that people are "demonstrating" or sending money, but the most important thing that Jews can do to support Israel is to come visit, or even come live here.

Have you been to America?
Yes, of course, a number of times. In fact, I'm flying tomorrow to Los Angeles. I'm performing in concert.

That's awesome! What's your favorite destination in the States?
I really enjoy New York the most.

If you could recommend one thing for us to do while in Israel, what would it be?
[Thinks for a long time.] I would have to say the best thing to do in Israel is to go to a Shalom Chanoch concert. He performs all the time at the Barbie Club in Tel Aviv, and his concerts are amazing.

One final question: If you could recommend one restaurant in Israel to eat at this year...
[Cuts me off.] No question, that would be Decks in Tiberius. They have incredible meats, their hummus is terrific, they have great salads. Wow, I could really go on all day! It's such a terrific restaurant.

Well, thank you very much. Is there anything else you'd like to tell the people on Year Course?
No, but I would like to know if you're available...if you'd like to have dinner sometime. I can't help but find you incredibly attractive.*

*Note: Loose translation!

Young Judaea Year Course: Check out our Program in Israel