- Israelis are very "tachlas" - that is bottom line oriented. Whenmeeting another Israeli, they will often go straight to business.Sometimes there is not even a "hello, how are you."
- In Israe, they dress down. That is, most business people can be seen wearing jeans and maybe dress pants from time to time. The factors forthis have their source in that Israel weather is very hot andunforgiving. We try to maintain being physically comfortable.Just a few decades ago, the average Israeli wore nothing morethan shorts and sandals. Israel is also a high tech society, andas such we have taken on the dress code of Silicon Valley - jeans.
- Keep at arms length. Israelis act as if they are in a family. Close distancebetween two people is the norm. Hugging, touching - one can evensee young females holding hands as they walk down the street -and they are not lesbians.
- Many in Israel do not use business cards - culture in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem is just too informal.We go by addressing people by their first names.
- In Israel, you can always expect a friendly and real invitation for sharingcoffee as a meeting begins.
- In Israel, if you are not a tourist asking for directions and you make verbalcontact with a stranger, he or she will most likely give you anawkward look followed by "me ata" or asking in English"who are you"? Also many Israeli's will not feel comfortablediscussing very personal or intimate subjects or problems withyou - i.e.- their marriage, sex, divorce, medical problems andarmy service (prohibited by law).
- When getting ready to enter a bus or any crowded area (i.e. - bank, post office,restaurant or open marketplace) we don't expect those from Israelto form a line. This is where you are expected to use the gentlenudge of your elbow to enter. If you wait - you will be last!
- Israelis are a very passionate and expressive breed. As such, if they raisetheir voices, this is how many Israelis normally communicate withone another. The Israeli can yell and scream at a colleague onemoment and a few minutes later be seen hugging the guy. If theIsraeli speaks in a low tone and smiles for hours with you - itmeans he is not being real, honest and relaxed with you!
- During a meeting the Israeli may take telephone calls and allow othersinto his office or the meeting room. Interruptions such as theseare common in Israeli culture - do not take it as being rude,impolite or arrogant. This is a very informal society, where thosein Israel are expected and able to do many tasks at the same time.
- Israelis are a very warm and friendly people. When they invite you to theirhome or out for dinner - they are not just being polite - theyare displaying sincere friendship. When they say "stop byat any time" - they truly mean it! Accept the invitationand create a good personal relationship. Remember, in Israel,relationships count just as much if not more than a solid commercialportfolio. Unlike many other cultures, substance, not style takesthe lead in Israel. When coming to someone's home, good giftsto bring are flowers, chocolates or a good bottle of wine.
All Posts (21)
Sort by
