Our Story
It started with a conversation (2015)
When Tamar Pross, a half-Australian, half-Israeli entrepreneur with a passion for cultural immersion, returned to Tel Aviv, she met Efrat Chen—one of the most sought-after Hebrew teachers in the city.
Together, they saw a gap in the way Hebrew was being taught and an opportunity to change it.
They didn’t just want to teach vocabulary. They wanted to give people a way to feel local in Israel. To speak like a Tel Avivian. To tap into the culture, mindset, and rhythm of Israeli life—through Hebrew.
And so, Citizen Café was born.
A Method Born in the Streets of Tel Aviv
In the early days, classes were held in actual cafés, where Hebrew came alive through real conversations. This method—conversation-based, intuitive, and culture-driven—became the foundation of what we now call the Citizen Method. It’s not just about language. It’s about unlocking the Israeli DNA through words, tone, body language, and connection.
From Local Roots to Global Reach (2020)
In 2020, as the world locked down, we opened up. We transitioned online and, overnight, became a global school with thousands of students joining from over 25 countries. What began as a Tel Aviv-based idea is now the world’s largest and most vibrant Hebrew-speaking community.
Teachers Who Are a Class of Their Own (2021)
We’re known for our teachers. And for good reason.
We launched our rigorous bi-yearly global recruitment process auditioning over a thousand applicants, we handpick charismatic, high-energy Israelis from around the world—not just for their teaching ability, but for their personality, presence, and passion. Then we train them intensively in our proprietary Citizen Method to ensure an exceptional learning experience every single time.
Our teachers don’t just teach Hebrew. They bring Israel into the room.
Today, our global team of over 80 talented Israelis brings the spirit of Tel Aviv to homes, companies, embassies, and organizations across the globe.
A Tech-Enabled Digital Hub (2023)
Citizen Café became more than a language school when it launched a tech-powered ecosystem for learning, connection, and cultural immersion.
Our custom-built platform, Citizen Hub, gives students access to their classes, digital learning and practice options, masterclasses, Hebrew practice sessions and online events all in one place. It’s where learning happens, and where the community lives.
The Power of Community (2025)
Today, at the heart of Citizen Café is a community of over 20,000 learners around the world that goes far beyond the classroom. Our students represent every walk of life—entrepreneurs, diplomats, artists, journalists, tech leaders, educators, and more.
They meet in class, in practice sessions, breakout rooms, whatsApp groups and in Tel Aviv cafés. They practice Hebrew together and share so many stories from their worlds. The result? Long-lasting friendships, professional collaborations, and a shared sense of belonging through language.
This isn’t just a school.
It’s a movement of people from around the world, united by a love of Hebrew, Israel, and the joy of learning something new—together.
