Israel

Greetings

Man greeting Man - Men shake hands warmly when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. Handshake are often combined with slight touches on the arms and/or elbows. Good friends and family may engage in light hugs. Some men greet men with a handshake in a business setting and a cheek kiss (first right cheek, then left cheek) in a social setting. Always use the right hand when greeting Muslims.

Woman greeting Woman- At a first meeting, a handshake will suffice. Friends may kiss each other once on the cheek. Always use the right hand when greeting Muslims.

Man greeting Woman- At a first meeting a regular handshake will do.Men greet women with a handshake in a business setting and a cheek kiss (first right cheek, then left cheek) in a social setting. If you are addressing a person who is religiously observant (men would be wearing a kippah, women would be in a skirt covering her knees, a shirt that covers her chest and arms below the elbows, and perhaps a head covering if she is married) follow their cue as to whether or not to shake hands or simply exchange verbal greetings.

Note: It is taboo for religiously observant men to touch women and vice-versa.

Communication Style

• Israelis are known to be very direct and to the point. Many foreigners feel they are blunt.
• Israelis tend to speak quite loudly and at a fast pace. It may appear as if they are yelling and annoyed but it is most likely a normal tone of voice.
• Market places and traffic are crowded and aggressive. People become impatient and honk and yell. Additionally, cabs may try to rip you off if they know you’re foreign, so ask them specifically for the meter. (In Hebrew, “efshahr moneh?”)
• Israelis appreciate honesty and discourse over hypocrisy and insinuations.Israelis are warm people, very open, honest, and direct. They will tell you exactly how they feel and what they think.

Personal Space & Touch

• Israelis usually stand close to one another while talking. One to two feet is normal. It can be considered rude to back up or away from someone while they are speaking. People speak at closer than an arms distance. They may touch while speaking, although religious people will keep a great distance away and not touch the opposite gender.
• Note: Personal space for religiously observant men and women is farther apart and there is usually no touching between the two.

Eye Contact

• Israelis favor direct eye contact over indirect. Maintaining eye contact is viewed as sense of respect and interest in the person who is speaking.

Gestures

• The OK sign is common and shares the same meaning as it does in the United States. Same goes for the "thumbs up" sign.

Views of Time

• Punctuality is valued for the most part and most services run on time.
• It is best to show up on time for an appointment. For social functions 20-30 minutes late is acceptable.

Gender Roles

• Israeli men and women are equal for the most part.
• Women are educated, work in all parts of society, but also raise children and are active in home life. There is a larger separation between male and female spheres with religious people, they tend to interact only with people of their own sex.
• Women hold the same rights as men and hold positions of power in the political, corporate, and civil defense arenas.
• In religiously observant households, women are expected to do most if not all of the cooking, cleaning, and child rearing. Most do not work outside the home.

Taboos

• Putting your thumb in between your middle and index finger while making a fist is an obscene gesture.
• When dealing with the Muslim community in Israel, avoid showing the sole of your foot or using the foot to move or pass anything to someone. Avoid giving & receiving objects with your left hand as well.
• Israelis are very hospitable and may take offense if you do not accept an invitation. When eating in someone’s house, they will offer you more food then you can eat, so it is important to be grateful and compliment the chef without forcing yourself to overeact.
• It is considered rude to be excessively drunk in public.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age in Israel is 18 years old. It is somewhat enforced.
• 18 is the minimum age to purchase both cigarettes and tobacco. Smoking is banned in most public spaces.
• Smoking is extremely common among people of both genders and of all ages. The legal drinking age is 18 and is increasingly enforced. Drugs are somewhat common but not readily available, use is illegal and punishable. J-walking is punishable with a fine (50-100 shekel).
• Drugs are illegal in Israel. Possession can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Trafficking will most likely result in a lengthy prison sentence.
  

Dress

• For Men: Suits with ties are common in formal situations. In most industries, business casual is acceptable. Many men wear a suit with an open collared shirt. Darker colors are the most common.
• For Women: Stylish business suits or dresses and blouses. are common Accessories are usually worn. Somewhat revealing clothing may be acceptable in various situations.
• Religiously observant women usually cover the arms and were skirts/dresses cut far below the knee.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are somehat important and it is best to address people directly by using Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• Most Isarelis will want to move to addressing one another on a first name basis rather quickly. You should always wait to be invited to use first names before doing so yourself.

Meetings

• Punctuality valued so it is best to arrive on time for meetings.
• There is usually very little time for small talk as Israelis tend to get down to business quickly.
• Meeting agendas are common and usually followed quite carefully.
• Meetings do not tend to last that long as the focus is on accomplishing the task at hand and moving on to the next one.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are often given in business settings. Simple gifts tend to be most appreciated. Avoid anything too expensive or elaborate.
• If invited over for dinner you should always bring a gift. Either a bottle of high quality wine/liquor, flowers, or nicely wrapped chocolates/sweets is a good idea.

In the Classroom