Israel By: Miguel Ulloa

Location Israel, a country slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey, is located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

History It is the birthplace of the Hebrew language. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel.

Israel Flag The flag consists of a blue six-pointed star on a white background, with a horizontal blue stripe above and one below. The star, called a Magen David, or Shield of David, is a symbol of the Jewish faith.

Business Etiquette Conduct meetings in line with religious rules. If your counterparts are Orthodox Jews, women can’t physically touch men. Can’t schedule meetings in September or October, as most Jewish holidays happen during this time.

Jewish Holidays

Continued The Israeli work week spans from Sunday to Thursday. The Sabbath starts on Friday at sunset and ends on Saturday at sunset.

Business Etiquette It’s common after the first meeting, to do business in casual clothing. Women that do business should wear tops that cover down to the elbow and skirts that hit below the knee.

Continued Men usually wear dark suits and white shirts.

Religion 75.4% Jewish 16.9% Muslim 2.1% Christian

Time The time difference between Israel and the U.S. is 7 hours. If it’s 8:00 am here, then it’s 3:00 pm there.

Currency Israeli new shekel $1.00 U.S. = $3.62 ILS

Clothing Men wear yarmulkes, or skullcaps, for prayer. Conservative Jewish men can be distinguished by their black hats. Whereas liberal Jews wear white crocheted caps.

Clothing Women keep their heads covered; traditionally, after marriage, they shave their heads and wear wigs. Shorts are not acceptable for both genders.

Foods Common breakfasts in their culture are Borekas, Jachnun, and Labane.

Foods Common lunch foods in their culture are falafel, malawach, and sabih.

Extra The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers TV series was produced by an Israeli. Haim Sabbah.