Bar was voted top of Maxim’s annual “Hot 100″ and was actually voted No. 1 by readers; this year’s Maxim list was the first to be opened up to reader votes.

Bar Refaeli was delighted to hear about the top spot and tweeted: So happy and honored to be #1 on #Maximhot100!! thank you @maximmag! this is very exciting!

And yes, we could have posted a shot of her just about wearing one of her barely-there bikinis, but in the pic below she is simply sizzzzzling. And I don’t think a blue dress has ever looked so slinky…

*cold shower time*

Then again, when you get to mix it with Israelis on a daily basis, you soon get to pick up on some of their less admirable quirks…we’ve introduced you to a few of the locals here, but in the list below we’ve compiled a golden little list of the things Israelis will NEVER say. Even if you twist their arms and pull their hair, honest guv.

OK, it’s only a bit of humor, but for those of us who know, there are some nuggets in this little list…

1. “Let’s do it by the book this time.”

2. “Ah, it’s my round!”

3. “I beg your pardon!”

4. “I don’t have a cellphone.”

5. “I just purchased this on iTunes…”

6. “I understand you but I’m inclined to disagree.”

7. “I hate my mother’s cooking.”

8. “I purchased Microsoft Office.”

9. “I hate going to places that are full of other Israelis.”

10. “Isn’t it a little cramped in here?”

11. “Let’s leave the waitress a little more than 10%…”

12. “I could never ask for a discount…”

13. “I never exceed the speed limit.”

14. “Merry Christmas!”

15. “I’ll have that Easter egg on the top shelf please.”

16. “OK, beloved wife, I’ll ask someone for directions.”

17. “The French are very nice people.”

18. “Thank you for arriving earlier than we scheduled.”

19. “Amir Peretz was a great Defence Minister.”

20. “It was my fault.”

Now, we must warn you, this one isn’t for the fainthearted. There are even plenty of Israelis who’ve never set foot in this little market, set in the earthy and cheap (meaning it has a reputation for poverty and crime…) HaTikva neighborhood, which is otherwise known in Hebrew as Schunat HaTikva. But if you love meeting the locals and love the sights and sounds of a real market in action, this one could be for you.

Definitely not on the typical tourist trail, this market is as authentic and as close to the bone as you can get. And don’t expect your tourist looks and your expensive camera to get you any favors; none of the stallholders or locals will likely look twice…people are just so much more interested in getting their shopping done.

Possibly the best way to describe HaTikva market is a poor man’s HaCarmel market (one of the must sees in any visit to Tel Aviv). You’ll find plenty of great fresh produce at great prices (though the locals will always complain that the prices are never as cheap as they should be!), as well as a number of hidden away restaurants serving up some awesome home-cooked food with a Moroccan or Iraqi flavor…

Our top tip: start at the main entrance to the shuk (the easiest way to get to the shuk is to head down to the end of Yigal Allon Street, turn right, and you can see the entrance to the shuk 100 meters down on your left), stop by at the Asaluf Yemenite Bakery, maybe 3 or 4 stalls into the market on your left. Great local food, and great atmosphere, with plenty of locals supping a beer and holding conversation (loudly…). Once fed and refreshed, head down the main market lane and see what you can find!

As far as we’re aware, HaTikva market is open every day except Shabbat.

For a little taste of what to expect, check out this video…

Click here to view the embedded video.

I personally feel there’s nothing quite like getting to know a city than through the people that live and breathe that city. I also started something a while back, where I interviewed a few locals in a Meet the Locals series.

Check guy’s project out over here: http://100strangers.co.il/ And don’t forget to bookmark it as the series will be ongoing; he’s only on number 15 – another 85 Tel Aviv strangers to go!

Tamar’s first official anchor spot was earlier this week, and according to reports she did “OK”, with some loving her, while some mentioned a lack of charisma. Exactly how much charisma you’re supposed to have reading from a teleprompter, I’m not sure.

By accident I caught a few minutes of her debut show, and I was impressed. As well as being cool, calm and collected, she was gorgeous. Which is all that really matters sometimes, when faced with some of the news stories coming out of this little country…

So yes, a big Like from igoogledisrael!

In yet another move that seems to confirm Israel’s (perhaps more accurately Tel Aviv’s) status as gay-friendly capital of the Middle East, if not Europe, tourists can now visit an army base where they can mingle with hot, rugged Israeli male soldiers, and even have their picture taken with them.

The company behind the idea, Lucas Entertainment, is actually a porn producer, but is adamant that the tourist angle is genuine. Apparently, a planned tour package for next month is already getting considerable interest (and bookings). And a hot date with sexy Israeli army guys is already in the works.

If you were wondering how the heck the Israeli army would allow tourists into an army base, and then photograph its soldiers, the man behind Lucas Entertainment, porn actor Michael Lucas, is a donor to Friends of the IDF and all donors are usually allowed to visit army bases.

Me, I’m all for advertising the Israeli army in a better light. They obviously don’t get the press in the world, and perhaps seeing a few rugged, soldiers smiling with a few tourists isn’t such a bad thing. Personally, I would say the girls of the Israeli army do a much better job of promoting all that is good about Israel. Nothing quite beats a cute 19 year old Israeli army girl, with long flowing hair and a Uzi strapped to her shoulder…

My friend twisted my arm to make sure I was watching with bated breath, as she was. We watched in awe as he rode by, pedaling his shiny new bike, dreadlocks flying. I remember feeling ecstatic as I realized who it was. Israeli singer Idan Raichel was traveling down Ben Gurion St., signature head covering and all.

My friend and I gawked at him. But no one else did. Nobody cared.

He wasn’t the first of dozens of Israeli celebrities I’ve seen in the span of a year and he certainly won’t be the last. This isn’t America and even in NY or LA where star sightings are frequent, I don’t think most people have met or run into quite as many celebs on an occurring basis in such a short period of time.

I saw Eastern singer Sarit Hadad in concert in a small club about 20 minutes from home. On holidays and parties for the city’s 100th anniversary last year, when Tel Avivians gathered in the center of town, I saw musical performances (for free) by the likes of popular Israeli entertainers like Monica Sex,  Barry Sakharof, Dana International, Balkan Beat Box, Miri Mesika, Keren Peles, and Tzvika Pik practically in my own backyard. (They played in the giant Rabin Square, which was 5 minutes from my apartment at the time.)

Oh, you think it stops there? Shlomi Saranga walked into the American Apparel near Dizengoff Center where I was shopping. Shalom Chanoch, one of the most famous Israeli singers today, idly sipped coffee, not 2 meters away from me in the same café.

Not 5 minutes later, I was walking behind a popular older actor from the well-known Israeli soap opera Our Song (HaShir Shelanu) as he sashayed in a well cut blazer down King George St.

Celebrities are just not a big to-do here. There’s no Paris Hilton pursing her lips for the cameras. No packed bus loads of screaming teenagers like there was for the Madonna concert that was a stop on the bus on my way home from work.

Why was it such a big deal when Bar Refaeli and boyfriend Leo DiCaprio visited the Western Wall? When Bar was here alone visiting family, no one bothered her as she danced up a storm at a packed club on Rothschild.

Some friends and I randomly met classic Israeli singer Boaz Sharabi and shared drinks with him in a sultry Tel Aviv bar. We acted like he was an old friend. Had it been Lady Gaga or Jennifer Lopez perhaps we all would have collapsed in our seats.

I always wondered why so-called “celebrities” in Israel (singers, actors, musicians, film stars) were never such a big deal in this small little country. And then I remember meeting this actor from the popular Israeli film Beaufort (nominated for an Oscar) at a local dance club on a Tuesday night. I went up to him and asked him what he thought of America. Turns out he’s never even been to New York (only LA, for the Academy Awards, no less.) He could barely speak English.

On the way home from the club, I asked an Israeli friend how it’s possible that an actor of so-called “high status” in Israel could never have even set foot in New York. It would have never happened to the Olsen twins or Lindsay Lohan who have probably made trips all over the world on more than one occasion. My friend told me it was because Israeli actors and celebrities are just not a big deal here. It’s because they don’t make even a quarter of the millions that Gal Gadot probably received for a bit part in the Fast and Furious movie. Not even close.

And the country is so small and people see them all the time. The sense of community is unmatched and everyone has a brother or a sister or a cousin’s father’s nephew related to Ivri Lider.

Is this the reason Americans can be close minded? Is it because the rest of the world gives them the feeling that they should be superior?

I guess this won’t keep me from getting sweaty palms when I receive a phone call from model Moran Atias. (She called me once to respond to an interview. Never expected it to happen!) It won’t keep me from growing envious when I hear tales of a friend who was the cinematographer for a low-budget short film starring Israeli actors Oshri Cohen and Anya Bukstein. And it won’t stop me from clamming up when I spy Ninet Tayeb down the street. I’ve already seen at least 3 or 4 other performers from A Star is Born, so why not her? (Note: A Star is Born is Israel’s version of American Idol and Ninet Tayeb was its first winner.)

But would an Israeli really care? Maybe that’s something worth following.

The video below of Bar Refaeli promoting Passionata lingerie was released this week. Confirmation, if ever it was needed, that she really is the best Bar in Israel.

We’ve gathered ten of the bestworst, ten characters that Israel can throw at you! Some of them naturally belong to the Israeli Sopranos crimelord set, while others, well, read ‘em and weep…and you’ll have to excuse me for a second while I go to the door, someone seems to be banging rather hard…

	Ze’ev Rosenstein - The ecstasy king who survived countless attempts by the police to land him, as well as a number of assassination attempts (hence the nickname “the wolf with seven lives”). One attempt in 2003 killed 3 innocent bystanders. In 2004 he was charged with distributing ecstasy by both the US and Israel police, and finally extradited to the US in 2006. For more…
	Benny Sela - A serial rapist who was sentenced to 35 years in 2000. Sela experienced a rough upbringing, including witnessing the suicide of his alcoholic father. Caused a nation to panic in 2006 when he escaped from custody and went on the run for two weeks.
	Asi Abutbul - An Israeli mafia boss, Abutbul has always been a constant target for the Israeli police. Recently convicted of extortion, arson and fraud after struggling to get legal representation after his lawyer was murdered, he is also famously known for getting “free” BMWs from the local importer. Sent down for 13 years.
	Yigal Amir - The assassin of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 and perhaps the most hated man in Israel. A right-wing radical who opposed Rabin’s signing of the Oslo Accords, he is now serving life (+14 years) for the murder. Amir continues to make headlines even in prison, and has even got married and had a son while serving time. For more…
	Ronnie Leibowitz - A convicted bank robber, known as Motorcycle Bandit because he robbed banks on a motorbike, he eventually served 8 years for robbing 21 banks in 1990. He also returned all the stolen money. The media loved Leibowitz and it’s safe to say he’s the Robin Hood of all those in this Bad Boy list.
	Moshe Katzav- Oh yes, the top man goes bad. Probably the man Israeli women love to hate most. Ex-President Katsav, the man accused of rape and numerous counts of sexual harassment while in office,  continually denied all charges while seemingly losing the plot in tirades against the Israeli media. He was indicted of rape in March 2009. For more…
	Abraham Hirchson – Former Finance Minister who was convicted June 2009 of stealing some NIS 2.5 million from the National Workers Organization while acting as chairman. Corrupt politicians are rife in Israeli politics, but this perhaps took the biscuit.
	Mordechai Vanunu- Vanunu is perhaps the man the state of Israel would most like to disappear. He’s the man who exposed Israeli nuclear secrets to the British press in 1986, and was eventually tried for treason and sentenced to 18 years, 11 in solitary. Released in 2004 he has been arrested a number of times since and is still not allowed to speak to foreigners. He also converted to Christianity.
	Itzhik Abergil- The leader of the Abergil crime family, renowned for their involvement in drug trafficking, murder, money laundering and general mischievousness. He and his brother Meir were extradited to the USA in January 2011 to face charges. Also rumoured to be behind the notorious Alperon hit a while back. For more…
	Dudu Topaz - The former King of Ratings and with a super-sized ego to match, Dudu shocked a nation with revelations that he paid thugs to rough up some top TV producers who refused to put him back on prime time TV. He was indicted and looked set for some porridge time before killing himself in his cell. For more…

This list is currently fairly short as it includes only those who write in English – though even if I was to add those who write almost entirely in Hebrew, such as leading politicians Benyamin Netanyahu (the PM of course) and Tzipi Livni (leader of the Kadima party), the list would still be incredibly short. Pick up of Twitter is slow among the cultural and political elite in the Holy Land, though we’ll keep a track and update this list with any newbies. And if you know of any Israeli celebs out there not on this list, let us know!

And don’t worry, an Israeli celeb is just like any other international celeb – yep, they’ll probably never ever follow you back.

	@noatishby- Noa is one of Israel’s more successful exports to Hollywood, though still not quite big-time. She describes herself as “Acting, producing, story telling. Dog loving.”
	@guyzo - Guy delivers the late night news show on Israel’s Channel 10, and also goes to my gym. He describes himself as “Stands and Delivers”.
	@ivrilider- Ivri is the Coldplay of Israeli rock’n'roll. He doesn’t have a bio, just a link to his website.
	@talberman - Tal has no Bio but lives in Tel Aviv – he is a very popular morning radio show DJ and often hosts culture-related TV shows.
	@avidichter- Avi Dichter is one of the only Israeli politicians to write often in English. He describes himself as “Member of Knesset (Israeli parliament) and former Shabak chief”.
	@assiazar - Assi recently gained celebrity status as joint host of Israel’s first ever season of Big Brother. He describes himself as “a tv host… and i hope that a good one”.
	@yonibloch - Yoni is a multi-talented singer, also a recent panellist on the Israeli Star is Born TV show. He has no Bio but does include a link to his website.
	@YossiBoublil - Quite possibly the only fake celeb in this list, and the most likely to follow you back. Yossi rose to fame on the first ever season of Big Brother and describes himself as a “porcupine from Ashkelon, now with important goals in life – Gilad Shalit (the Israeli soldier kidnapped over 3 years ago)”.
	@roni_duani- Otherwise known as Roni Superstar the pop songstress, Roni describes herself as a “full time isreali singer, side job as a communication student”. Bless her for the typo, but at least she’s trying…
	@idotadmor – Renowned dancer and choreographer, and TV dance contest panellist. He also doesn’t have a Bio section, just a link to his very nicely designed website.

This time it’s the turn of the girl with the very Israeli-sounding name – Sandra. Yes indeed, Sandra, the bubbliest secretary in all of Tel Aviv. I get to meet her a couple of times a week as she works at my wife’s office, and she always wows me with her British accent. I’d willingly recommend her to anyone looking for a secretary or someone to manage their office, but then my wife might just have my guts for garters as she’s a big fan of Sandra.

A resident of Tel Aviv practically all her life (she moved there when she was 3), Sandra is a big fan of The City That Never Sleeps and won’t be swapping Tel Aviv for somewhere else any time soon. Just 22 years old (I thought she was a bit older because she’s so in control in the office) Sandra is a big fan of the beach in Tel Aviv, and also enjoys a good night out in Tel Aviv with plenty of good food and alcohol on hand. Her life motto: To be happy, ALL the time. Sandra is also on Facebook. Nice to meet you and those curly locks of yours Sandra!

So Sandra, have you managed to get abroad often and how have people reacted when they hear you’re Israeli? 
Well, I’ve been abroad quite a few times, mainly Turkey (a few times), and also France and Cyprus. Most of the time I’ve only experienced positive reactions and good natured curiosity, with even a few locals getting excited about Israel, especially in Cyprus, where people described Israel as an amazing country, full of fun, warmth and having a great atmosphere. But then again, I also encountered some serious antisemitism on the boat to Cyprus, where one British guy (sorry Ashley!), after deciding to chat with us because my friends and I were laughing and joking and enjoying ourselves, was so disgusted at finding out that we were Israeli that he cursed at us and spat on the floor! So, there are the negative responses, but the curiosity about Israel and the people and how we manage to remain so happy and full of life despite the “troubles” far outweighs any negativity.

How do you think the world sees Israel? 
From what I’ve experienced, many people are surprised to see us wearing mini-skirts and skimpy vests, hair hanging freely and having a good time. They expected us to be very religious, wearing long skirts and with our heads covered. I believe they get this impression only via the world media, which doesn’t focus on Israel’s good, “normal” things. I recommend all the world’s media to take a day off and visit Tel Aviv beach.    

What do you think visitors to Israel think of Israel? 
I don’t believe we leave a bad impression, in fact, quite the opposite. I have family that live in Austria and Turkey and every time they come to visit their excitement is amazing to see! They enjoy themselves so much, with the weather, the beach, the places to visit: a modern, thriving and fun democracy that we as Israelis probably take for granted.

What, in your opinion, is the best thing about Israel? 
Ahh, there are a few things, but the best for me, as it’s now here, is the summer! The summer just brings with it a crazy energy and fun vibe that is hard to beat. I just hope I still love it as much when I hit my 30s. I also love the fruits that you can buy easily, and cheaply, in Israel during the summer - watermelon, grapes, peaches, mmmm! Having said all that, the winters here really aren’t that bad. And if you’re missing the sun and want to get away on a budget, you can always visit Eilat in the south, which is really like just hopping abroad on a short flight.

What is “Israeli” in your eyes?
The thing most “Israeli” in my opinion, is the heat. And I’m not talking about the weather, I’m referring to the people, who are incredibly warm and hot-tempered! Not a lot we can do – Israel is a land full of people pulling fast ones, people using their connections to get what they need, but often in a funny way. And you know what, I don’t think it’s so terrible.

What is the must-see attraction you’d recommend to visitors? 
Of course, there are the usual tourist attractions such as the Old City of Jerusalem, but I’d highly recommend Jaffa; from the old fishing port, to the new promenade that runs to Tel Aviv, to the flea market – it’s all magical! Friday and Saturday afternoons are best, just before sunset.

Which “off the beaten track” attraction would you recommend to visitors? 
I know I’m a Tel Aviv girl, but I’d highly recommend the Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem. There are just so many interesting, unique little stalls and it’s great fun eating there, and great fun even buying vegetables. There are some great cookies and baked goods there too.

Which pub or restaurant would you recommend to visitors? 
My favorite pub is Temptation, on 35 Allenby Street in Tel Aviv, it’s a really great place. Actually a lot of tourists drink there during the summer, and they have a great time. The music is great, the atmosphere great, and the barmen very friendly. As for food, there are some great places to eat, especially in Tel Aviv (I don’t know Jerusalem so well…), and especially the smaller, family joints that you can find in the Carmel market lanes or in the adjoining Kerem HaTemanim neighbourhood. My favourite falafel place is Tadmor, which is on 98 Salameh Street in the south of Tel Aviv – absolutely delish! And if you’re looking to polish your meal off with some ice-cream, the only place to go is Iceberg, on 108 Ben Yehuda Street.

Where would you rather be, Israel or …? 
I’m not leaving Tel Aviv and you wonder if I think about leaving Israel – no chance! It’s always nice and refreshing to get out of Israel on holiday, and it’s great seeing new places and meeting new people, but Israel is the only place for me.

Welcome to our continuing series of interviews with the locals – an attempt to debunk the myth that all Israelis are shepherd beating, gun wielding, war hungry zionists. These Israelis are regular people that you might well meet on your trip here; guys that work in banks, girls that live and play in Tel Aviv, mothers holding down regular jobs and paying off the mortgage, and so on. We’ve asked them a few questions, they’ve given us their honest answers…

This time, partly in celebration of Tel Aviv’s 100th birthday, it’s the turn of Moshe (Moses). No, Moshe isn’t 100 too. I’ve known Moshe for a few years, he’s actually my father-in-law. OK, this piece won’t get all lovey dovey, I can assure you of that, but I thought it would be interesting to hear from somebody who has been here since Day 1 of Israel’s official existence, and actually a few years prior to it too.

Moshe was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, back in the 1930′s (I won’t publish the exact date, out of deep respect and bribery of a couple of beers), the time when Israel didn’t actually officially exist. A time when the world was under threat from the storm clouds gathering over Europe thanks to a certain Adolf Hitler. A time when cars were outnumbered by horses and carts. A time when new shoes weren’t bought, the existing ones just had their toe caps cut off.

Moshe and his siblings were born and raised in Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv’s original neighbourhoods that has since become rather more upscale and yuppified. Tel Aviv has changed beyond recognition from those early days of running barefoot down a sandy Shabazi Street - Personally I don’t know what it must be like to watch a country grow from scratch into quite the modern metropolis, but I’m sure it must be a mixture of intense pride and amazement.

Moshe is NOT on Facebook, and wants nothing to do with Twitter, for those of you interested.

So Moshe, what are your first memories of growing up in Tel Aviv?
The first thing I can recall is the amount of horses and carts, sandy streets and open fields right next door. There was only one car in the whole of our neighbourhood which belonged to someone really rich, there was just so much more sand than paved streets and roads. I also remember there being more Arabs than Jews.  

What do you remember from Israel’s War of Independence in 1948?
I was actually 12 (ooops, given it away!), so can remember quite a bit. A few things stand out in my mind: if you walked to the Carmel market from the Yemenite Quarter (a walk of less than 5 minutes) you had to constantly duck because of snipers sitting in the Arab minaret (next to the David Intercontinental hotel), while all the kids that lived on the outskirts of Tel Aviv were moved by lorry to a more central location on Allenby Street (Tel Aviv was largely surrounded by Arab villages in the early days), I remember that big lorry. I also recall one morning seeing a burnt corpse on the corner of our street, it was actually an Arab who worked in our neighbourhood but he’d apparently been trying to attack Jews on the first morning of the war.

You’ve seen Israel go through many wars and battles, were you ever worried that Israel’s time had come?
Never. When you grow up as a kid and your country has defeated all the Arab countries that wanted to destroy us (in the 1948 war), you grow up with a certain air of invincibility. And then in 1967 you destroy all your enemies in just six days…so that feeling that the army will do its job is always there.

When was your first trip abroad, and how did people react when you told them you were Israeli? 
My first trip was in 1977, a tour of classic Europe. I felt immensely proud to be Jewish and Israeli, and most people we met were interested and also supported Israel. Lately, this has certainly changed. Obviously Israel is no longer the underdog, and our glory years (in terms of world support) after the Six Day War have all but gone.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in Israel throughout its years?
Without a question, the quality of life. We were so poor, we had almost nothing in the early years. Today, most Israelis have a good standard of living. Israel is certainly bigger, stronger and richer than it ever has been. As I see it, Israel has been around for 61 years and achieved much more in that time than America has achieved in 200 years.

How do you think Israel is seen by the world in general today? 
As I said before, we were once largely supported by the world, now it is the Palestinians who are seen as the underdog so they naturally attract more of the world’s sympathy. I think Israel is seen as quite a modern country, especially with many successful hi-tech companies. I believe that rather than gaining the world’s sympathy, we have gained grudging respect and perhaps even a little fear. 

What do you think visitors to Israel think of Israel? 
What you see on your TV back home is not what you see when you get to the Holy Land. The way Israel is portrayed makes it seem that Israel is quite a big, strong country, but when you come to visit Israel you realise how small it actually is but with so may interesting things to see and do packed into such a small area.

What, in your opinion, is the best thing about Israel? 
The people, the delicious variety of food, the beautiful beaches and the weather. Israel also has some of the most amazing places to visit that you can’t compare with anywhere else in the world – where else can you find somewhere like the Dead Sea?

What is “Israeli” in your eyes?
Unfortunately, the rudeness is what springs to mind. The Chutzpah and thoughtlessness that people show towards each other.

What is the must-see attraction you’d recommend to visitors? 
There are so many great places to see: anyone coming to Israel must see the Old City of Jerusalem of course, as well as tourist spots in Nazareth, Bethlehem and the Jordan River (especially for the Christian tourist), the Dead Sea, and the main attractions of Tel Aviv.

Which pub or restaurant would you recommend to visitors? 
There are many places to eat and drink in Israel, especially in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv, I wouldn’t like to name any specific place, but rather would recommend somewhere like the Namal (Port) in Tel Aviv, where there are a great collection of bars and restaurants, with the Meditteranean just metres away.

Where would you rather be, Israel or …? 
I saw a documentary on a Brazilian city’s urban development (Curitiba?) and can safely say I would like to live there. Otherwise, the Holy Land is the only place for me.

Thanks Moshe. And Happy 100th Birthday Tel Aviv!