Finding the Real "Mensch": A Story of Honesty in Appliance Repair

The plastic tie in the fridge was intentionally loosened, making an annoying sound like a lawnmower. The tech just needed to tighten the plastic tie around the cable set so it wouldn’t touch the fan blade and make a racket. The fix cost between 200-350 shekels.

So who turned out to be the mensch this time?

Finding true mensches these days isn’t easy: The first technician called to fix it suddenly "found" another issue—a faulty motor, charging the customer an outrageous 5,400 shekels (!). Yes, you heard that right, and it’s happening right under our noses. "Even in our wildest scenarios, we didn’t think it would get to these amounts," says Haim Hecht from behind the scenes. "It’s daylight robbery."

Next comes a second technician, and hopeful eyes from behind the scenes beg, "Please, don’t disappoint. It’s just a small tie to tighten. Do what needs to be done, give a fair price, and be a mensch." The camera follows his actions, and it seems there’s hope.

The fridge technician - Mendel Salem

But this hope shatters quickly as the tech stands up, heads for the door, and announces he’s getting a new motor. "What motor, why a motor?" cries out Haim Hecht again, "It’s just a tie, that’s all." However, this tech doesn’t back down. He replaces the perfectly good fan motor with a new one, and as a bonus, he cuts the tie. How much does this cost the owner? "I charge 850 shekels for this, but for you, I’ll give a discount. Pay me 750 shekels." Haim Hecht grimaces at the offer. "Thanks a lot. What a great discount you gave us."

Haim Hecht meets Mendel Salem

Then, just when all seems lost, walks in a technician with a traditional Jewish look, Mendel Salem. Salem, a father of six and grandfather from Netanya, has worked in the field for nearly 30 years. Unlike the other technicians, he doesn’t waste precious time or invent problems. Within minutes the tie is cut, and the noise problem solved. The cost? Haim Hecht is amazed: just 250 shekels. No problems, but plenty of awe for Heaven—and rightly so.

Hecht is ecstatic. "I must meet this man." Salem is invited back to the house, this time to meet someone who will award him a certificate and medal labeled "You Are a Mensch." Salem is moved to tears and thanks everyone. "You gave me strength. You’ve recharged my battery for a few more years," he says, adding, "With Hashem’s help, we’ll continue to succeed. *L'chaim*, blessings to all." And what’s left for us to say? May there be many more like him.

The moment of awarding the 'You Are a Mensch' medal and certificate