Difference between revisions of "Combina (Israel)"

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| definition = A trick used for solving a problem or manipulating an outcome in one's favour
| definition = A trick used for solving a problem or manipulating an outcome in one's favour
| location = Israel
| location = Israel
| imagemap = Israel.png
| imagemap = Israel map.png
| clusters = [[:Category: Getting things done|Getting things done]] – [[:Category: Economies of favours| Economies of favours]] – [[:Category: Moral ambivalence| Moral ambivalence]] – [[:Category: Gaming the system| Gaming the system]]
| clusters = [[:Category: Getting things done|Getting things done]] – [[:Category: Economies of favours| Economies of favours]] – [[:Category: Moral ambivalence| Moral ambivalence]] – [[:Category: Gaming the system| Gaming the system]]
| categories = [[:Category: Israel|Israel]] – [[:Category: Middle East| Middle East]] – [[:Category: MENA region| MENA region]] – [[:Category: Asia| Asia]] – [[:Category: Makeshift| Makeshift]] – [[:Category: Bricolage| Bricolage]] – [[:Category: Improvisation| Improvisation]] – [[:Category: Network| Network]] – [[:Category: Personal connection| Personal connection]] – [[:Category: Problem-solving| Problem-solving]] – [[:Category: Favouritism| Favouritism]] – [[:Category: Nepotism| Nepotism]] – [[:Category: Patronage| Patronage]] – [[:Category: Opportunity| Opportunity]] – [[:Category: Favour| Favour]] – [[:Category: Creativity| Creativity]]
| categories = [[:Category: Israel|Israel]] – [[:Category: Middle East| Middle East]] – [[:Category: MENA region| MENA region]] – [[:Category: Makeshift| Makeshift]] – [[:Category: Bricolage| Bricolage]] – [[:Category: Improvisation| Improvisation]] – [[:Category: Network| Network]] – [[:Category: Personal connections| Personal connections]] – [[:Category: Problem-solving| Problem-solving]] – [[:Category: Patronage| Patronage]] – [[:Category: Opportunity| Opportunity]] – [[:Category: Favour| Favour]] – [[:Category: Creativity| Creativity]]
| authorofpiece = Ina Kubbe
| authorofpiece = Ina Kubbe
| authorinstitution = Tel Aviv University, School of Political Science, Government and International Affairs
| authorinstitution = Tel Aviv University, School of Political Science, Government and International Affairs
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[[Category: Middle East]]
[[Category: Middle East]]
[[Category: MENA region]]
[[Category: MENA region]]
[[Category: Asia]]
[[Category: Makeshift]]
[[Category: Makeshift]]
[[Category: Bricolage]]
[[Category: Bricolage]]
[[Category: Improvisation]]
[[Category: Improvisation]]
[[Category: Network]]
[[Category: Network]]
[[Category: Personal connection]]
[[Category: Personal connections]]
[[Category: Problem-solving]]
[[Category: Problem-solving]]
[[Category: Favouritism]]
[[Category: Nepotism]]
[[Category: Patronage]]
[[Category: Patronage]]
[[Category: Opportunity]]
[[Category: Opportunity]]
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{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
|style="font-size:1.1em;"| Combina (Hebrew: קומבינה, Ladino: kombina) – short for combination, or kombinatzia – is a colloquial word for a trick, or a ‘quick unofficial creative solution’ to a problem. It refers to the use of personal connections and informal networks to circumvent formal practices and ways for getting ahead, or receive undue benefits. It includes all forms of favouritism such as nepotism, patronage or cronyism. The root kombina comes from the old Judeo-Spanish language, commonly referred to as Ladino (there is no ‘c’ in the alphabet). In Ladino dictionaries one finds a) kombina / kombinas (pl.) as intrigue; b) kombinador as trickster; c) kombinasion, referring to combination, coincidence and opportunity; and d) profitar la kombinasion, that is taking advantage of the opportunity. In the Jerusalmic Ladino dialect, kobima means trick, ploy, manipulation (Rodrigue-Schwarzwald 2013). Combinadores carry connotations of sneaky people, with negative undertones of an underhand service (Hebrew Language Academy 2020). For example, ‘if I want to arrange something, I will combine it for you’ (lekamben in Hebrew). Thus, if someone got benefits through connections or even stealing, one is mekumban (combined), or has combina (see also Rosenthal 2015).
|style="font-size:1.1em;"| ''Combina'' (Hebrew: קומבינה, Ladino: ''kombina'') – short of combination, or ''kombinatzia'' – is a colloquial word for a trick, or a ‘quick unofficial creative solution’ to a problem. It refers to the use of personal connections and informal networks to circumvent formal practices and ways for getting ahead, or receive undue benefits. It includes all forms of favouritism such as nepotism, patronage or cronyism. The root ''kombina'' comes from the old Judeo-Spanish language, commonly referred to as Ladino (there is no ‘c’ in the alphabet). In Ladino dictionaries one finds a) ''kombina'' / ''kombinas'' (pl.) as intrigue; b) ''kombinador'' as trickster; c) ''kombinasion'', referring to combination, coincidence and opportunity; and d) ''profitar la kombinasion'', that is taking advantage of the opportunity. In the Jerusalmic Ladino dialect, ''kobima'' means trick, ploy, manipulation (Rodrigue-Schwarzwald 2013). ''Combinadores'' carry connotations of sneaky people, with negative undertones of an underhand service (Hebrew Language Academy 2020). For example, ‘if I want to arrange something, I will ''combine it'' for you’ (''lekamben'' in Hebrew). Thus, if someone got benefits through connections or even stealing, one is ''mekumban'' (combined), or has ''combina'' (see also Rosenthal 2015).
|}
|}


The word combina is sometimes translated as a deal ‘under the table’ or ‘off the record’ (Big Idea 2020). However, such deals are not necessarily perceived as illegal. They imply a roundabout way of problem-solving through connections and/or creativity. They provide ‘an unofficial creative solution’ to a problem (Urban Dictionary 2020). As almost every informal practice, combina is perceived as useful for reducing red tape in bureaucratic processes to gain documents, to circumvent bureaucracy or bypass the system as a whole by the participants (like [[blat]] in Russia]], [[guanxi]] in China, [[wasta]] in the Middle East and North Africa or [[Vitamin B]] in Germany).
[[File:Combina deal.jpg|thumb|300px|left|''Combina'' as ‘off the record’ deal. Source: Yoni Zabari. © Yoni Zabari.]]


A foxy character of trickster in the literature is often as morally reprehensible as is attractive to readers from the medieval times to the present day (see [[gorroneo]]. One of the most loved Soviet novels in this genre, The Twelve Chairs by Ilf and Petrov (1928, 2014) features a charming  kombinator, a trickster who outsmarts the Soviet regulations by using combinatoric methods (Petrov 2013; Lipovetsky 2010). In such contexts, combina can mean an ability to improvise in uncertain situations, overcome obstacles, leverage your skills and contacts, as well as ‘cheat the system’ in order to achieve the outcome you want. In the great effort not to be a friar, or a ‘sucker’, who allows to be cheated or accept a bad deal, many Israelis succumb to the temptation to take part in combinot or under-handed deals or ways of cheating the system. They see the ‘system’ as working against them and believe that their actions are necessary to counterbalance their disadvantaged position.
The word ''combina'' is sometimes translated as a deal ‘under the table’ or ‘off the record’ (Big Idea 2020). However, such deals are not necessarily perceived as illegal. They imply a roundabout way of problem-solving through connections and/or creativity. They provide ‘an unofficial creative solution’ to a problem (Urban Dictionary 2020). As almost every informal practice, ''combina'' is perceived as useful for reducing red tape in bureaucratic processes to gain documents, to circumvent bureaucracy or bypass the system as a whole by the participants (like [[blat]] in Russia, [[guanxi]] in China, [[wasta]] in the Middle East and North Africa or [[Vitamin B]] in Germany).  


Combina is deeply rooted in cultural contexts, but also lies at the foundation of the culture of corruption in Israel. It does not include bribery per se, but there is a certain quid pro quo involved. Combina is used in all aspects of life and includes both private and professional favours. For example, one can go for an annual car check, and the inspector gives you a special treatment because he is a life-long friend of the family, or a friend of a friend. Sometimes, combina is a one-off favour, for someone with ‘beautiful eyes,’ or a competitive advantage, such as bypassing a line, saving some costs, or bending some rule. It can be a case of protekzia, a special arrangement to secure a favour made by someone in the know or on the inside (Halfin 2018). The term embraces a variety of informal practices that penetrate the workings of formal institutions or official settings in Israel. Similar to [[blat]], combinot are ‘people’s regular strategies to manipulate or exploit formal rules by enforcing informal norms and personal obligations in formal context’ (Ledeneva 2008: 119).
A foxy character of trickster in the literature is often as morally reprehensible as is attractive to readers from the medieval times to the present day (see [[gorroneo]]). One of the most loved Soviet novels in this genre, ''The Twelve Chairs'' by Ilf and Petrov (1928, 2014) features a charming ''kombinator'', a trickster who outsmarts the Soviet regulations by using ''combinatoric'' methods (Petrov 2013; Lipovetsky 2010). In such contexts, ''combina'' can mean an ability to improvise in uncertain situations, overcome obstacles, leverage your skills and contacts, as well as ‘cheat the system’ in order to achieve the outcome you want. In the great effort not to be a friar, or a ‘sucker’, who allows to be cheated or accept a bad deal, many Israelis succumb to the temptation to take part in ''combinot'' or under-handed deals or ways of cheating the system. They see the ‘system’ as working against them and believe that their actions are necessary to counterbalance their disadvantaged position.


Personal networks allow to cut through lines in government agencies, speed up administrative processes, to obtain government documents or official approvals, gain access to basic social services (e.g. in hospital) or secure a spot in the university or find a job. Contemporary examples of combina include getting a parking permit in a specific area because you know someone in local authorities, getting a cushy job through connections, or getting a privileged posting for military service through family connections. Using combina is often seen to benefit a family, a circle of insiders, and implies understanding how the system works and knowing how to play the game. It is actually a good thing to be creative, smart and sneaky (Marshadruker 2017).
''Combina'' is deeply rooted in cultural contexts, but also lies at the foundation of the culture of corruption in Israel. It does not include bribery per se, but there is a certain quid pro quo involved. ''Combina'' is used in all aspects of life and includes both private and professional favours. For example, one can go for an annual car check, and the inspector gives you a special treatment because he is a life-long friend of the family, or a friend of a friend. Sometimes, ''combina'' is a one-off favour, for someone with ‘beautiful eyes,’ or a competitive advantage, such as bypassing a line, saving some costs, or bending some rule. It can be a case of ''protekzia'', a special arrangement to secure a favour made by someone in the know or on the inside (Halfin 2018). The term embraces a variety of informal practices that penetrate the workings of formal institutions or official settings in Israel. Similar to [[blat]], ''combinot'' are ‘people’s regular strategies to manipulate or exploit formal rules by enforcing informal norms and personal obligations in formal context’ (Ledeneva 2008: 119).
In Israel, combina presents an aspect of a very informal society where ‘things always work somehow” and the collective feeling that anything is possible. Organisations tend to be more accessible and work environments more casual, which generate a breeding ground for creativity and new ideas. With a population of 10 million (2019) and a size of 22,072 km², Israel is comparatively a small country. There is a saying that anyone is only two phone calls away, and everyone has 30 minutes to help you think through a challenge. Whether you are standing together during the Yom HaShoah siren (Holocaust Remembrance Day), completing reserve duty, raising kids, or venturing a start-up, Israelis are in it together (Marshadruker 2017). Essential for such ‘togetherness’ is the national army service, mandatory for all Israeli citizens and inclusive of women (for an elitist model, see [[hyva veli]]). During the three years of service, most people acquire networks. There are many cohesion-building rituals, such as weddings, shivas (a week-long mourning period for first-degree relatives), or b'nai mitzvah and b'not mitzvah (Jewish coming of age ritual for boys and girls). Combina supports the unwritten rule to help others wherever you can.


The argument of inclusivity seems paradoxical, given that Israel is also one of the most diversified countries in the world. Immigrants from all over the world bring over their different traditions, values and norms. In 2014, a quarter of the Jewish-Israeli population were immigrants; a third were children of immigrants and the remainder constituted second-generation immigrants. Founded in 1956, Israel is the only country in the world where the immigrant groups are so substantial that they can sway elections and transform predominant values. It was suggested that such group diversity has a tremendous, positive influence on culture, economy and creativity (Arieli 2017) and that the land itself could be thought of as a start-up where the networking flowed easily and inclusively, no matter what individual accomplishments or titles were (Hofstede Insights 2020).
Personal networks allow to cut through lines in government agencies, speed up administrative processes, to obtain government documents or official approvals, gain access to basic social services (e.g. in hospital) or secure a spot in the university or find a job. Contemporary examples of ''combina'' include getting a parking permit in a specific area because you know someone in local authorities, getting a cushy job through connections, or getting a privileged posting for military service through family connections. Using ''combina'' is often seen to benefit a family, a circle of insiders, and implies understanding how the system works and knowing how to play the game. It is actually a good thing to be creative, smart and sneaky (Marshadruker 2017).  


Thus, on the one hand, combina generates trust, loyalty and solidarity, or a type of sociability that reduces transaction costs and risks of free-riding. Grounded in family ties, it plays a profound role, especially in structuring access to opportunities. On the other hand, it can also become an endemic problem, reproduce inequality and serve as a vehicle for corruption (Kubbe and Varraich 2019). Therefore, combina understood as creativity in its purest forms can turn into anti-social, ‘malevolent creativity’ (Beaussart et al. 2013) and cause harm. It undercuts transparency, equality, fairness and accountability of institutions. Thus, getting building and commercial permits, licenses or planning permissions through connections can have serious implications, when not issued according to qualification criteria and performance. For ordinary citizens, who lack connections to top officials and power holders and have limited material resources, combina in the social, economic and political system is frustrating. Combina might have some equalising effect, but does not guarantee equal opportunities, or access to essential services, jobs, administrative paperwork, or other vital aspects of life. This disadvantages people without combina and limits career opportunities. Due to this duality, combina is difficult to capture empirically and isolate from corrupt acts (Baez-Camargo and Ledeneva 2017).
In Israel, ''combina'' presents an aspect of a very informal society where ‘things always work somehow” and the collective feeling that anything is possible. Organisations tend to be more accessible and work environments more casual, which generate a breeding ground for creativity and new ideas. With a population of 10 million (2019) and a size of 22,072 km², Israel is comparatively a small country. There is a saying that anyone is only two phone calls away, and everyone has 30 minutes to help you think through a challenge. Whether you are standing together during the ''Yom HaShoah'' siren (Holocaust Remembrance Day), completing reserve duty, raising kids, or venturing a start-up, Israelis are in it together (Marshadruker 2017). Essential for such ‘togetherness’ is the national army service, mandatory for all Israeli citizens and inclusive of women (for an elitist model, see [[hyva veli]]). During the three years of service, most people acquire networks. There are many cohesion-building rituals, such as weddings, ''shivas'' (a week-long mourning period for first-degree relatives), or ''b'nai mitzvah'' and ''b'not mitzvah'' (Jewish coming of age ritual for boys and girls). ''Combina'' supports the unwritten rule to help others wherever you can.
 
The argument of inclusivity seems paradoxical, given that Israel is also one of the most diversified countries in the world. Immigrants from all over the world bring over their different traditions, values and norms. In 2014, a quarter of the Jewish-Israeli population were immigrants; a third were children of immigrants and the remainder constituted second-generation immigrants. Founded in 1956, Israel is the only country in the world where the immigrant groups are so substantial that they can sway elections and transform predominant values. It was suggested that such group diversity has a tremendous, positive influence on culture, economy and creativity (Arieli 2017) and that the land itself could be thought of as a start-up where the networking flowed easily and inclusively, no matter what individual accomplishments or titles were (Hofstede Insights 2020).
 
Thus, on the one hand, ''combina'' generates trust, loyalty and solidarity, or a type of sociability that reduces transaction costs and risks of free-riding. Grounded in family ties, it plays a profound role, especially in structuring access to opportunities. On the other hand, it can also become an endemic problem, reproduce inequality and serve as a vehicle for corruption (Kubbe and Varraich 2019). Therefore, ''combina'' understood as creativity in its purest forms can turn into anti-social, ‘malevolent creativity’ (Beaussart et al. 2013) and cause harm. It undercuts transparency, equality, fairness and accountability of institutions. Thus, getting building and commercial permits, licenses or planning permissions through connections can have serious implications, when not issued according to qualification criteria and performance. For ordinary citizens, who lack connections to top officials and power holders and have limited material resources, ''combina'' in the social, economic and political system is frustrating. ''Combina'' might have some equalising effect, but does not guarantee equal opportunities, or access to essential services, jobs, administrative paperwork, or other vital aspects of life. This disadvantages people without ''combina'' and limits career opportunities. Due to this duality, ''combina'' is difficult to capture empirically and isolate from corrupt acts (Baez-Camargo and Ledeneva 2017).


==References==
==References==


Arieli, I. 2017. ‘In Israel, individualism and collectivism happily coexist’, https://www.israel21c.org/in-israel-individualism-and-collectivism-happily-coexist/, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Arieli, I. 2017. ‘In Israel, individualism and collectivism happily coexist’, https://www.israel21c.org/in-israel-individualism-and-collectivism-happily-coexist/


Baez-Camargo, C.; Ledeneva, A. 2017, ‘Where Does Informality Stop and Corruption Begin? Informal Governance and the Public/Private Crossover in Mexico, Russia and Tanzania’, The Slavonic and East European Review, 95 (1): 49-75.
Baez-Camargo, C.; Ledeneva, A. 2017, ‘Where Does Informality Stop and Corruption Begin? Informal Governance and the Public/Private Crossover in Mexico, Russia and Tanzania’, ''Slavonic and East European Review'', 95 (1): 49-75


Beaussart, M. L., Andrews, C. J., & Kaufman, J. C. (2013). Creative liars: The relationship between creativity and integrity. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 9, 129–134.
Beaussart, M. L., Andrews, C. J., & Kaufman, J. C. (2013). 'Creative liars: The relationship between creativity and integrity', ''Thinking Skills and Creativity'', 9, 129–134


Big Idea. 2020. ‘Phrases in Israel’, https://bigidea.co.il/gap-year/10-must-know-hebrew-slang-words-practice-pre-college-gap-year-israel/, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Big Idea. 2020. ‘Phrases in Israel’, https://bigidea.co.il/gap-year/10-must-know-hebrew-slang-words-practice-pre-college-gap-year-israel/


Gilad, E. 2014. ‘On the Russian origin of combina’, Haaretz, https://www.haaretz.co.il/magazine/the-edge/.premium-1.2490250, Accessed on February 02, 2020
Gilad, E. 2014. ‘On the Russian origin of combina’, ''Haaretz'', https://www.haaretz.co.il/magazine/the-edge/.premium-1.2490250


Halfin, J. 2018. ‘All the slang you’ll need for your trip to Israel’, https://www.israel21c.org/all-the-slang-youll-need-for-your-trip-to-israel/, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Halfin, J. 2018. ‘All the slang you’ll need for your trip to Israel’, https://www.israel21c.org/all-the-slang-youll-need-for-your-trip-to-israel/


Hebrew Language Academy (2020), ‘Combina’, https://hebrew-academy.org.il/keyword/%D7%A7%D7%95%D6%B9%D7%9E%D6%B0%D7%91%D6%BC%D6%B4%D7%99%D7%A0%D6%B8%D7%94, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Hebrew Language Academy (2020), ‘Combina’, https://hebrew-academy.org.il/keyword/%D7%A7%D7%95%D6%B9%D7%9E%D6%B0%D7%91%D6%BC%D6%B4%D7%99%D7%A0%D6%B8%D7%94


Hofstede Insights. 2020. ‘What about Israel?’, https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country/israel/, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Hofstede Insights. 2020. ‘What about Israel?’, https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country/israel/


Israel on the House. 2020. ‘Israeli Slang 101’, https://israelonthehouse.com/israeli-slang-101/, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Israel on the House. 2020. ‘Israeli Slang 101’, https://israelonthehouse.com/israeli-slang-101/


Kubbe, I. and Varraich, A. (eds.) 2019. Corruption and Informal Practices in the Middle East and North Africa. United Kingdom. Routledge. Corruption and Anti-Corruption Studies.
Kubbe, I. and Varraich, A. (eds.) 2019. ''Corruption and Informal Practices in the Middle East and North Africa. United Kingdom''. Routledge. Corruption and Anti-Corruption Studies


Ledeneva, A. 2008. ‘Blat and Guanxi: Informal Practices in Russia and China’, Comparative Studies in Society and History, 50(1): 118-144.
Ledeneva, A. 2008. ‘Blat and Guanxi: Informal Practices in Russia and China’, ''Comparative Studies in Society and History'', 50(1): 118-144


Lipovetsky, M. 2010. Charms of the Cynical Reason. Academic Studies Press.
Lipovetsky, M. 2010. ''Charms of the Cynical Reason''. Academic Studies Press.


Marshadruker. 2017. ‘Combina, Chutzpah, and a Blooming Desert: Experiencing the Magic of Startup Nation’, https://marshadruker.com/combina-chutzpah-and-a-blooming-desert/, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Marshadruker. 2017. ‘Combina, Chutzpah, and a Blooming Desert: Experiencing the Magic of Startup Nation’, https://marshadruker.com/combina-chutzpah-and-a-blooming-desert/


Petrov, I. 2013. ‘Exposure: Y.  Petrov invented the combine’, Rotter, https://rotter.name/kolot/prime/42621.php, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Petrov, I. 2013. ‘Exposure: Y.  Petrov invented the combine’, Rotter, https://rotter.name/kolot/prime/42621.php


Rodrigue-Schwarzwald, O. 2013. ‘Between Hebrew and Juedo-Spanish’, Hed HaUlpan ha-Hadash, 101: 17-28, http://cms.education.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/9B57F581-A76B-4CC0-BB11-0BDC12DBFEC9/182452/Ora.pdf%20pp.%206, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Rodrigue-Schwarzwald, O. 2013. ‘Between Hebrew and Juedo-Spanish’, ''Hed HaUlpan ha-Hadash'', 101: 17-28, http://cms.education.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/9B57F581-A76B-4CC0-BB11-0BDC12DBFEC9/182452/Ora.pdf%20pp.%206


Rosenthal, R. 2015. ‘Literary culture: The Combination of Declaration: Where Did the Hebrew Slang Words Come From?’, Maariv, https://www.maariv.co.il/culture/literature/Article-472587, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Rosenthal, R. 2015. ‘Literary culture: The Combination of Declaration: Where Did the Hebrew Slang Words Come From?’, Maariv, https://www.maariv.co.il/culture/literature/Article-472587, Accessed on February 06, 2020.


Urban Dictionary. 2020. ‘Combina’, https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=combina, Accessed on February 06, 2020.
Urban Dictionary. 2020. ‘Combina’, https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=combina, Accessed on February 06, 2020.

Latest revision as of 13:39, 22 June 2020

Combina 🇮🇱
Israel map.png
Location: Israel
Definition: A trick used for solving a problem or manipulating an outcome in one's favour
Keywords: Israel – Middle East – MENA region – Makeshift – Bricolage – Improvisation – Network – Personal connections – Problem-solving – Patronage – Opportunity – Favour – Creativity
Clusters: Getting things done – Economies of favours – Moral ambivalence – Gaming the system
Author: Ina Kubbe
Affiliation: Tel Aviv University, School of Political Science, Government and International Affairs
Website: Profile page on LinkedIn

By Ina Kubbe, Tel Aviv University, School of Political Science, Government and International Affairs

Combina (Hebrew: קומבינה, Ladino: kombina) – short of combination, or kombinatzia – is a colloquial word for a trick, or a ‘quick unofficial creative solution’ to a problem. It refers to the use of personal connections and informal networks to circumvent formal practices and ways for getting ahead, or receive undue benefits. It includes all forms of favouritism such as nepotism, patronage or cronyism. The root kombina comes from the old Judeo-Spanish language, commonly referred to as Ladino (there is no ‘c’ in the alphabet). In Ladino dictionaries one finds a) kombina / kombinas (pl.) as intrigue; b) kombinador as trickster; c) kombinasion, referring to combination, coincidence and opportunity; and d) profitar la kombinasion, that is taking advantage of the opportunity. In the Jerusalmic Ladino dialect, kobima means trick, ploy, manipulation (Rodrigue-Schwarzwald 2013). Combinadores carry connotations of sneaky people, with negative undertones of an underhand service (Hebrew Language Academy 2020). For example, ‘if I want to arrange something, I will combine it for you’ (lekamben in Hebrew). Thus, if someone got benefits through connections or even stealing, one is mekumban (combined), or has combina (see also Rosenthal 2015).
Combina as ‘off the record’ deal. Source: Yoni Zabari. © Yoni Zabari.

The word combina is sometimes translated as a deal ‘under the table’ or ‘off the record’ (Big Idea 2020). However, such deals are not necessarily perceived as illegal. They imply a roundabout way of problem-solving through connections and/or creativity. They provide ‘an unofficial creative solution’ to a problem (Urban Dictionary 2020). As almost every informal practice, combina is perceived as useful for reducing red tape in bureaucratic processes to gain documents, to circumvent bureaucracy or bypass the system as a whole by the participants (like blat in Russia, guanxi in China, wasta in the Middle East and North Africa or Vitamin B in Germany).

A foxy character of trickster in the literature is often as morally reprehensible as is attractive to readers from the medieval times to the present day (see gorroneo). One of the most loved Soviet novels in this genre, The Twelve Chairs by Ilf and Petrov (1928, 2014) features a charming kombinator, a trickster who outsmarts the Soviet regulations by using combinatoric methods (Petrov 2013; Lipovetsky 2010). In such contexts, combina can mean an ability to improvise in uncertain situations, overcome obstacles, leverage your skills and contacts, as well as ‘cheat the system’ in order to achieve the outcome you want. In the great effort not to be a friar, or a ‘sucker’, who allows to be cheated or accept a bad deal, many Israelis succumb to the temptation to take part in combinot or under-handed deals or ways of cheating the system. They see the ‘system’ as working against them and believe that their actions are necessary to counterbalance their disadvantaged position.

Combina is deeply rooted in cultural contexts, but also lies at the foundation of the culture of corruption in Israel. It does not include bribery per se, but there is a certain quid pro quo involved. Combina is used in all aspects of life and includes both private and professional favours. For example, one can go for an annual car check, and the inspector gives you a special treatment because he is a life-long friend of the family, or a friend of a friend. Sometimes, combina is a one-off favour, for someone with ‘beautiful eyes,’ or a competitive advantage, such as bypassing a line, saving some costs, or bending some rule. It can be a case of protekzia, a special arrangement to secure a favour made by someone in the know or on the inside (Halfin 2018). The term embraces a variety of informal practices that penetrate the workings of formal institutions or official settings in Israel. Similar to blat, combinot are ‘people’s regular strategies to manipulate or exploit formal rules by enforcing informal norms and personal obligations in formal context’ (Ledeneva 2008: 119).

Personal networks allow to cut through lines in government agencies, speed up administrative processes, to obtain government documents or official approvals, gain access to basic social services (e.g. in hospital) or secure a spot in the university or find a job. Contemporary examples of combina include getting a parking permit in a specific area because you know someone in local authorities, getting a cushy job through connections, or getting a privileged posting for military service through family connections. Using combina is often seen to benefit a family, a circle of insiders, and implies understanding how the system works and knowing how to play the game. It is actually a good thing to be creative, smart and sneaky (Marshadruker 2017).

In Israel, combina presents an aspect of a very informal society where ‘things always work somehow” and the collective feeling that anything is possible. Organisations tend to be more accessible and work environments more casual, which generate a breeding ground for creativity and new ideas. With a population of 10 million (2019) and a size of 22,072 km², Israel is comparatively a small country. There is a saying that anyone is only two phone calls away, and everyone has 30 minutes to help you think through a challenge. Whether you are standing together during the Yom HaShoah siren (Holocaust Remembrance Day), completing reserve duty, raising kids, or venturing a start-up, Israelis are in it together (Marshadruker 2017). Essential for such ‘togetherness’ is the national army service, mandatory for all Israeli citizens and inclusive of women (for an elitist model, see hyva veli). During the three years of service, most people acquire networks. There are many cohesion-building rituals, such as weddings, shivas (a week-long mourning period for first-degree relatives), or b'nai mitzvah and b'not mitzvah (Jewish coming of age ritual for boys and girls). Combina supports the unwritten rule to help others wherever you can.

The argument of inclusivity seems paradoxical, given that Israel is also one of the most diversified countries in the world. Immigrants from all over the world bring over their different traditions, values and norms. In 2014, a quarter of the Jewish-Israeli population were immigrants; a third were children of immigrants and the remainder constituted second-generation immigrants. Founded in 1956, Israel is the only country in the world where the immigrant groups are so substantial that they can sway elections and transform predominant values. It was suggested that such group diversity has a tremendous, positive influence on culture, economy and creativity (Arieli 2017) and that the land itself could be thought of as a start-up where the networking flowed easily and inclusively, no matter what individual accomplishments or titles were (Hofstede Insights 2020).

Thus, on the one hand, combina generates trust, loyalty and solidarity, or a type of sociability that reduces transaction costs and risks of free-riding. Grounded in family ties, it plays a profound role, especially in structuring access to opportunities. On the other hand, it can also become an endemic problem, reproduce inequality and serve as a vehicle for corruption (Kubbe and Varraich 2019). Therefore, combina understood as creativity in its purest forms can turn into anti-social, ‘malevolent creativity’ (Beaussart et al. 2013) and cause harm. It undercuts transparency, equality, fairness and accountability of institutions. Thus, getting building and commercial permits, licenses or planning permissions through connections can have serious implications, when not issued according to qualification criteria and performance. For ordinary citizens, who lack connections to top officials and power holders and have limited material resources, combina in the social, economic and political system is frustrating. Combina might have some equalising effect, but does not guarantee equal opportunities, or access to essential services, jobs, administrative paperwork, or other vital aspects of life. This disadvantages people without combina and limits career opportunities. Due to this duality, combina is difficult to capture empirically and isolate from corrupt acts (Baez-Camargo and Ledeneva 2017).

References

Arieli, I. 2017. ‘In Israel, individualism and collectivism happily coexist’, https://www.israel21c.org/in-israel-individualism-and-collectivism-happily-coexist/

Baez-Camargo, C.; Ledeneva, A. 2017, ‘Where Does Informality Stop and Corruption Begin? Informal Governance and the Public/Private Crossover in Mexico, Russia and Tanzania’, Slavonic and East European Review, 95 (1): 49-75

Beaussart, M. L., Andrews, C. J., & Kaufman, J. C. (2013). 'Creative liars: The relationship between creativity and integrity', Thinking Skills and Creativity, 9, 129–134

Big Idea. 2020. ‘Phrases in Israel’, https://bigidea.co.il/gap-year/10-must-know-hebrew-slang-words-practice-pre-college-gap-year-israel/

Gilad, E. 2014. ‘On the Russian origin of combina’, Haaretz, https://www.haaretz.co.il/magazine/the-edge/.premium-1.2490250

Halfin, J. 2018. ‘All the slang you’ll need for your trip to Israel’, https://www.israel21c.org/all-the-slang-youll-need-for-your-trip-to-israel/

Hebrew Language Academy (2020), ‘Combina’, https://hebrew-academy.org.il/keyword/%D7%A7%D7%95%D6%B9%D7%9E%D6%B0%D7%91%D6%BC%D6%B4%D7%99%D7%A0%D6%B8%D7%94

Hofstede Insights. 2020. ‘What about Israel?’, https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country/israel/

Israel on the House. 2020. ‘Israeli Slang 101’, https://israelonthehouse.com/israeli-slang-101/

Kubbe, I. and Varraich, A. (eds.) 2019. Corruption and Informal Practices in the Middle East and North Africa. United Kingdom. Routledge. Corruption and Anti-Corruption Studies

Ledeneva, A. 2008. ‘Blat and Guanxi: Informal Practices in Russia and China’, Comparative Studies in Society and History, 50(1): 118-144

Lipovetsky, M. 2010. Charms of the Cynical Reason. Academic Studies Press.

Marshadruker. 2017. ‘Combina, Chutzpah, and a Blooming Desert: Experiencing the Magic of Startup Nation’, https://marshadruker.com/combina-chutzpah-and-a-blooming-desert/

Petrov, I. 2013. ‘Exposure: Y. Petrov invented the combine’, Rotter, https://rotter.name/kolot/prime/42621.php

Rodrigue-Schwarzwald, O. 2013. ‘Between Hebrew and Juedo-Spanish’, Hed HaUlpan ha-Hadash, 101: 17-28, http://cms.education.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/9B57F581-A76B-4CC0-BB11-0BDC12DBFEC9/182452/Ora.pdf%20pp.%206

Rosenthal, R. 2015. ‘Literary culture: The Combination of Declaration: Where Did the Hebrew Slang Words Come From?’, Maariv, https://www.maariv.co.il/culture/literature/Article-472587, Accessed on February 06, 2020.

Urban Dictionary. 2020. ‘Combina’, https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=combina, Accessed on February 06, 2020.

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