Israel Culture Tips
The following will come in handy when you are in Israel or when you work with Israelis.
+ Native-born Israelis, versus those who immigrate, call themselves “sabras,” which is the fruit of the cactus (otherwise known as a prickly pear). Like their namesake, Israelis pride themselves on having a tough exterior that covers a warm, hospitable interior.
+ Israeli families are close-knit and form the foundation of the social structure. The unique background of Israelis (Holocaust survivors, their descendants and immigrants) makes them especially aware of the importance of family.
+ In Israel, there are 6 days in the work week, and the universal day of rest is Saturday, or the Sabbath. The Sabbath starts at sundown Friday evening when public transportation shuts down, and shops and businesses are closed. The work week restarts on Sunday.
+ Most of the population is secular, and while there is complete freedom of religion, the Jewish nature of the State is very clear.
+ Unless otherwise specified, most restaurants adhere to Jewish dietary laws, (kashrut or kosher). Meat and dairy are served separately and shellfish and pork are not eaten. It will be important to be aware of your guests’ dietary practices if you entertain at home.
+ Israelis will judge your professional competence by how knowledgeable you are in your field. They are not impressed by titles. This is a culture where actions speak more loudly than words.
+ Israelis are often passionate and expressive communicators. This means that they may raise their voice when speaking. They may yell and scream at someone one minute and, a few minutes later, hug the person. Conversely, if an Israeli speaks in a low tone and smiles for hours, he or she is not relaxed.
+ Israel is a relationship-oriented culture where feelings and emotions can be more important than facts. In many ways, the country is one large extended family, so it is acceptable to dispense with formality and be direct and honest with everyone.
- from RW3′s CultureWizard™ Country Profiles
