Israel: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (Culture Smart!)

Special edition to mark the 70th year of Israel’sindependenceCulture Smart! Israel is a concise cultural guide that enablesreaders to get to the heart of this diverse, dynamic andparadoxical country and enable you to make the most of your visit.Independent since 1948, this 70th anniversary edition providesimportant insights into the complexities of Israeli society so thatyou will know what to expect and how to behave in differentcircumstances, avoid misunderstandings and form good relations bothsocially and in business.While Israel is a modern and largely secular country, it is onesteeped in biblical history and in which religion still plays anactive role in public life. In seventy years it has grown from asparsely populated strip of land into a vigorous democracy andregional superpower. Often called the Startup Nation, Israel is aworld leader in a number of Hi-tech industries. Its democraticinstitutions, despite a political and social polarization in recentyears, are among the most enlightened in the world.The fight for survival has had a profound impact on the Israelipsyche. Every family has been touched by war, which has sharpenedthe zest for life. Nearly every citizen serves in the army, today aformidable fighting machine. Seismic changes in the wider regionoblige it to maintain a critical edge. This pocket guide will helpreaders understand the country and its people beyond the headlines,ensuring for greater understanding and a far more valuabletravelling experience, whatever the reason for visiting.Culture Smart! Israel will help you navigate the daily life ofthis small and complicated country, in all it's facets: social,business and cultural. You will gain an insight into what toexpect, how to behave in different social situations and how tocommunicate effectively. The values, customs and traditions of thepeople are all concisely explained, as are the historical eventsthat formed them, bringing your visit to Israel into fullcolor.