More for the list

Here are a few more stereotypes to add to your list (“Aliya stereotypes,” Editorial, December 15).

First, when discussing “Anglos,” it is only Americans who are described as such. Canadians live here, too, as do numerous other English speakers.

I myself am a Londoner. There are people living here from Ireland, Scotland and Wales (not that anyone in Israel would be able to differentiate between the accents). There are also South Africans, New Zealanders and Australians (which on occasion, Israelis and Americans have thought that I might be). And let’s not forget those who are from Zimbabwe.

We all speak English, but with different accents. The unfortunate stereotype is that if you speak English, you must be American. If you are American, you must be wealthy.

My other personal experience when it comes to stereotypes is because I am black, Israelis more often than not assume I am an American, Ethiopian, Yemenite or, as one taxi driver thought, Sri Lankan. What is the stereotype here: If you are black, you can’t be British?

Beyond that, it is the combination of the high cost of living and no real jobs that will force many us to leave Israel.

RUTH YAEL BEN-ADIR

Bat Ayin

The government must address the major problems of Anglos and other immigrants who are highly qualified and experienced professionals who cannot get a license to practice in Israel. People who are not respected and accepted for their knowledge and expertise will not stay long in a country that forces them to do menial work to make a living.

RUTH ZIMBERG

Safed