“Our Goal is Connection, Language is the Tool.”
“Language is the tool, but the goal is connection and immersion,” Tamar explained. “We wanted to help people feel local in Tel Aviv and, by extension, connect to Israel in a way that went far beyond just learning the words.”
Born in Israel and shaped by a life of movement across countries, Tamar’s journey has been one of understanding what it means to truly belong. “I’ve moved 18 times in my life,” she shared. “Whether in Paris, London, or Tel Aviv, I’ve always been obsessed with feeling local wherever I am.”
This passion became the foundation for Citizen Cafe, a language school that goes beyond vocabulary to teach cultural fluency. Since its beginnings 10 years ago, Citizen Cafe has grown into a global community, connecting students from around the world with a unique approach to learning Hebrew.

“We Teach Students to Speak Faster Than They Can Think”
Citizen Cafe’s method is anything but conventional. The vision started with Tamar and her co-founder Efrat Chen, together insisiting on making the experience fun, practical, and highly immersive. The first classes were held in Tel Aviv cafes, creating an atmosphere that was casual and inviting, a far cry from traditional classrooms. “I didn’t want it to feel like school,” Tamar said. “Adults need something different—something dynamic and engaging. If it’s not fun or efficient, people won’t stick with it.”
Her partner, Efrat, developed an innovative teaching method that challenges traditional language learning. The approach focuses on fast-paced repetition, real-world application, and confidence-building exercises. “We teach students to speak faster than they can think,” Tamar said. “It’s about training your mouth and ears to pick up Hebrew as it’s spoken by Israelis.”
This emphasis on practicality and connection has struck a chord with thousands of students. “By the end of a class, people feel transformed,” she added. “It’s about making Hebrew relevant and helping students feel good about themselves in the process.”



“It’s About Helping People Feel Connected to Their Identity”
Initially, Citizen Cafe catered to Olim struggling with the limitations of traditional Ulpan programs. Over time, it evolved into a global community. Today, around 90% of the school’s students live outside Israel, learning Hebrew online through dynamic, interactive classes.
“People aren’t just learning Hebrew; they’re connecting to their identity, their heritage, and their families,” Tamar shared. “For some, it’s preparation for Aliyah. For others, it’s about staying connected to a culture they love.” The school’s reach has grown significantly, with over 100 employees and a presence in 30 countries. But the heart of Citizen Cafe remains its community. From alumni events to a vibrant online campus, students find themselves part of a tribe that supports and inspires them.
“Our Teachers Are Our Biggest Asset”
One of the most remarkable aspects of Citizen Cafe is its teaching staff. Tamar described them as the “soul of the school,” handpicked for their charisma, talent, and passion. “We recruit actors, musicians, psychologists—people who bring something extraordinary to the classroom.”
The recruitment process for being a teacher at Citizen Cafe is intense, with fewer than 3% of applicants making it through. Each teacher undergoes extensive training to master the methodology and deliver the transformative experience the Ulpan is known for. “Our teachers are unforgettable,” Tamar said. “Students don’t just learn Hebrew. They form lasting connections with their instructors.”
“It’s About Transformation, Not Just Language”
Reflecting on her journey, Tamar acknowledged that building Citizen Cafe hasn’t been without its challenges. From scaling the company during the Covid pandemic to managing the needs of diverse students, the road has been anything but easy. Regardless, the rewards have definitely outweighed the obstacles.
“Seeing people connect with their identity, feel confident, and fall in love with Hebrew—those are the moments that make it all worthwhile,” she said. “It’s not just about language. It’s about transformation.”

“Every Jewish Child in the World Should Learn Hebrew”
As Citizen Cafe continues to grow, Tamar is already envisioning the next chapter. One of her long-term goals is to bring Hebrew education to younger generations, bridging the gap between global Jewish communities and Israel.
“Our dream is to see every Jewish child learn Hebrew, not just as a language but as a way to connect with their heritage,” she shared. “There’s so much potential to deepen the relationship between Jewish identity and Israel.”
Tamar’s journey and Citizen Cafe’s outreach represent the power of innovation and community. Together with the thousands of students she has inspired, Tamar amplifies the deep bond between language, culture, identity, and, of course, Israel. She proves that no matter where we are in the world, as Jews, we are one community, and belonging is never too far out of reach.