I don't know where you are eating and what people you come across., Israel is my country, and Tel Aviv puts Manhattan to shame. People are very hospitable. There is no pretense.
Israelis throughout the country are mainly warm, friendly, and speak English, but in TA, people are generally less religious and more hedonistic; and much more open, tolerant, and cosmopolitan than the rest of the country. Tel-Aviv is One of the World's Best Gay Cities.
You get what you see, which is honesty. No pretense. And the food is rated one of the best in the world. Tel Aviv is world-renowned for its high-quality restaurants, world-class cafe culture, and superb nightlife scene. People from all over the world go on food tours in TA, because the miasma of the culinary experience is unmatched.
Keep your mind open and enjoy your stay in Tel Aviv. Jerusalem is another story, however. Make sure to go to Machane Yehuda Shuk when you are there. It's an experience you want to experience. Here is a link:
