JI: Virtually everyone in Israel speaks some version of English. Some Brit, some American and some Aussie/ South African. You walk about near the beach in Tel Aviv and you almost do a double take and think you're in Miami Beach! The major distinction is the groups of young(18-19), khaki clad, off-duty soldiers, who, nevertheless,are sporting ( loaded magazine attached, but not seated ) M-16s in front cross body carry, hand on pistol grip, everywhere you go. It is surprising on the first day and invisible by the third. Not much street crime to speak of, as a result thereof. Also, no feeling of menace apparent. Not even up on the Golan. Tough Jews those Isrealis!