1. The document provides fast facts about Israel, including that the two main languages are Hebrew and Arabic, the population is 7.28 million, and the country has only been independent since 1948. 2. It offers guidance on understanding Israeli social customs, such as that Israelis are direct in their communication and discussing personal finances openly is common. Handshakes are used for greetings and hostess gifts are expected for home invitations. 3. Religious and business norms are also covered, noting most Israelis are Jewish and influence norms. Pork is prohibited in the Jewish religion and gifts are expected in business transactions.

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Prepared by Usama Sufian
Registration L1S13BBAM2032
Course BCRW
Submitted to Mr. Siddque Bhatti
Date of submission 11/12/2014

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FAST FACTS
 There are 2 major languages, Hebrew and Arabic, but Hebrew is the primary language
 The population is7.28 million
 The country is only 8, 522 sq mi
 It has only been its own country since 1948
 The capital is Jerusalem

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Action Details to consider
Understand social
customs
 How do people react to strangers? Are they friendly? Hostile? Reserved?
Ans : Israelis are known to be direct and to the point. They will tell you exactly how they feel
and what they think. Often foreigners feel they are rude and aggressive. Here is an analogy;
a native Israeli is called a sabra. A sabra is the fruit of the prickly pear - rough and sharp on
the outside, but sweet and pleasant on the inside. Discussing your salary, mortgage payments
or overdraft with a total stranger is not uncommon or off limits and is often openly discussed.
It is highly likely that the amount under discussion is not exactly true. At the bus stop or on
the bus, it is common to get into a conversation with the person sitting next to you. You may
be scolded about your behavior or you may even be given parental advice. Markets are
crowded and everyone is rushing to get home. You will probably experience some pushing
and shoving. It is not considered rude. If you stand by and let everyone through, you will
stand and wait the entire day
 How do people greet each other? Should you bow? Nod? Shake hands?
Ans: Shalom is the Hebrew word for Hello. It is also used to say goodbye. It also means
peace.
When greeting someone for the first time, a handshake is appropriate, both in business and
social settings. You can greet a close friend by touching their arm or shoulder lightly and
kissing them on both cheeks. It is not uncommon for men to greet other men in this way. It is
a taboo for any Jewish man (i.e. over the age of thirteen), other than her own husband, to
touch a religious woman. Similarly, it is forbidden for any woman to touch a religious man. If
you have just met a religious person and are unsure of their level of observance, wait a
moment. If it is okay, the man or woman will extend their hand.
 How do you express appreciation for an invitation to lunch, dinner, or someone’s home?
Should you bring a gift? Send flowers? Write a thank-you note?
Ans: You are expected to arrive with a hostess gift of some kind when invited to someone’s
home for a meal. It could be a small gesture like a cake or chocolates. You could also offer to
prepare part of the meal; a salad or desert.
 Are any phrases, facial expressions, or hand gestures considered rude?
Ans: As in many cultures, pointing your middle finger, is an obscene gesture.
 How do you attract the attention of a waiter? Do you tip the waiter?
Ans; A 10 - 15 per cent tip is usual at restaurants
 When is it rude to refuse an invitation? How do you refuse politely?
 What topics may or may not be discussed in a social setting? In a business setting?
ANs; Polotics and religion must not be discussed in any meeting where as sports are taken as a
positive thing.

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Learn about
clothing and food
preferences
 What occasions require special clothing?
Ans: At some festivals and celebrations that may wear a white or golden frock coat. They also
wear costumes in their street festivals.
 What colors are associated with mourning? Love? Joy?
Ans: there is no such color which represents mourning love or joy.
 Are some types of clothing considered taboo for one gender or the other?
Ans: there is no such cloth which is considered as taboo.
 How many times a day do people eat?
Ans: Usually they eat 3 times a day.
 How are hands or utensils used when eating?
Ans: They put fork in right hand n knife in left hand.
 Where is the seat of honor at a table?
Ans: The seat of honor at a table is front one.
Assess political
patterns
 How stable is the political situation?
Ans: Country is at war with Muslims of Palestine so law and order situation is very bad for
minorities but overall in Israel situation is stable
 Does the political situation affect businesses in and out of the country?
Ans; No because it has become an habit for traders to face these situations.
 Is it appropriate to talk politics in social or business situations?
Ans; People are very sensitive about their social talks so as a tourist we must avoid political
discussions.

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Understand
religious and social
beliefs
 To which religious groups do people belong?
Ans: Israel is also the only country in the world where a majority of citizens are Jewish.
According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, the population in 2011 was 75.4% Jewish,
20.6% Arab, and 4.1% minority groups. The religious affiliation of the Israeli population] as of
2011 was 75.4% Jewish, 16.9% Muslim, 2.1% Christian, and 1.7% Druze, with the remaining
4.0% not classified by religion
 Which places, objects, actions, and events are sacred?
Ans: Jerusalem is the most sacred place in Israel with is also called the holy city. Ritual objects
associated with Hanukkah include the menorah “candelabrum” and the dreidel “spinning top,”.
Hanukah is the most important event in Israel.
 Do religious beliefs affect communication between men and women or between any other
groups?
Ans: As more than 75% of population is Jew that’s why religious beliefs does not affect as much
between men and women… but Jew have harsh view about other religions.
 Is there a tolerance for minority religions?
Ans: Israel has no entrenched constitution, but freedom of religion is anchored in law
 How do religious holidays affect business and government activities?
Ans: it would be more accurate to say that Israeli society has a strong traditional bent, and as
far as religious practice is concerned so it affects business and government activities
 Does religion require or prohibit eating specific foods? At specific times?
Ans: pork is prohibited in Jewish religion. Jewishism does not even allow touching pig meat.
Learn about
economic and
business
institutions
 Is the society homogeneous or heterogeneous?
Ans: As more than 75% people are jew so it can say its homogeneous society
 What languages are spoken?
Ans: The native language of Israel is Hebrew.
 What are the primary resources and principal products?
Ans: timber, potash, copper ore, natural gas, phosphate rock, magnesium bromide are primery
resources
 Are businesses generally large? Family controlled? Government controlled?
Ans: businesses belong to Israel are generally very large n owned by individuals not by
government.
 What are the generally accepted working hours?
Ans: working hours per say are 8.5 hours, 44 hours per week.
 How do people view scheduled appointments?
Ans: People in Israel ar very busy person the view scheduled appointments very seriously.
 Are people expected to socialize before conducting business?
Ans: Israelis are very social people they may relations very easily before conducting business.

6. 6
Appraise the
nature of ethics,
values, and laws
 Is money or a gift expected in exchange for arranging business transactions?
Ans; Gifts are expected from you and exchanging gifts is a common thing.
 Do people value competitiveness or cooperation?
Ans; They mainly focus on their relations. The believe whoever is serving will must have an
advantage.
 What are the attitudes toward work? Toward money?
Ans; Professionalism is a lot. People always focus on their work and don’t waste time in foolish
things.
 Is politeness more important than factual honesty?
Ans; politeness is important over factual honesty because they believe in give respect and be
respected.
References
1. http://multiculturalbusiness.wikifoundry.com/
2. www.wikipedia.come
3. www.culturalinfor.com