Israel: Public Behaviour
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Public Behaviour
Israel is a Middle Eastern country with a predominantly Western value system. Israeli culture is a potpourri of many immigrant nationalities and their particular ethnic traits and conducts. While many Israelis are from eastern origins, most customs and unspoken social norms are western. Israel’s Jewish and Moslem populations differ culturally from mainstream Israeli society. Therefore, except for these two unique communities, public behaviour in Israel will tend to be similar to norms accepted in any West European country or in the US.
In religious communities, foreign guests should dress and behave modestly and follow their host’s lead. When interacting with Israeli Moslems refrain from using the left hand for handshakes and gift giving. The left hand and soles of feet are considered impure in the Islamic religion. Visitors should refrain from greeting, touching or extending a handshake to both Jewish and Moslem devout women. Foreign guests should follow the lead of their religious host. If his wife is introduced a visitor can respond – otherwise consider traditional women as having lower social stature when in the presence of business guests.
Western offensive hand gestures are just as offensive in Israel.
Israelis are generally very polite, helpful, friendly and outgoing – especially towards foreign guests. However, Israelis tend to hurry about their business and people are at times on an emotional edge especially during summer heat waves and occasional times of geopolitical tension. Visitors should expect some impatience, infrequent outbursts and line cutting – Israelis are notorious for their dislike of queues.
Among Israel’s secular majority, eye contact, courteous greetings, an occasional sensitive touch, handshakes, smiles, gentlemanly compliments and subtle, non obtrusive gesturing are all acceptable and common forms of public behavior between men and women.
