Speak Hebrew when Spoken to in Hebrew

One thing that frustrates every new Oleh who doesn't come to Israel speaking Hebrew is when Israelis hear an accent and immediately switch to English. It bothers Olim because we're making an effort to assimilate by speaking the language,  and it's like that effort isn't recognized and appreciated. For me it makes me feel like an outsider, although people more often respond to me in French because somewhere along the way I developed a French accent when I speak Hebrew. No explanation,although I'm sure my lady would love to take credit for her French influence.

Anyway, I recently took a job at a cupcake shop and cafe for some extra income, and I've had a number of anglo customers who come in and speak Hebrew with me. I know they're not Israelis based on their accents, and a few times I almost switched to English instinctively, but I stopped myself and remembered how I hate when Israelis do that to me. Bottom line, when someone attempts to speak to you in your native language, return the respect and respond to them in the same language. It'll make the person feel great, and it's guaranteed to give them more confidence with the foreign language.