A middle-eastern country situated on the Mediterranean Sea, is considered as the Biblical Holy Land.
It is surrounded by Lebanon on the north, NE by Syria, SE by Jordan, and SW by Egypt.
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and the seat of Government.
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Israel is a fascinating blend of culture, customs, and religions and a perfect combination of the old and the new.
It majorly consists of the Jewish population, over the last 100 years, who have eventually settled down in Israel.
The Jewish population of Israel originates from all over the world i.e., Russia, Poland, Brazil, Ethiopia, Morocco, Iraq, and Yemen.
Israel also has a sizable population of the Arab and Christian people.
As you can see,
Israel's culture is a perfect amalgamation of the Eastern and Western influences.
A mosque in Israel
Affection
Israeli's are extremely affectionate people.
While meeting and greeting people, especially relatives a hug and a handshake is extremely common.
Hospitality
Israeli's are extremely warm and welcoming and is an intrinsic part of their culture. Whether you are a Jew, Muslim or a Christian.
You will be readily invited for a coffee, drinks or a dinner to any Israeli's house.
Declining a dinner invite is considered rude and impolite.
Clothing
People in Israel are particular when it comes to clothing.
Men wear the yarmulkes or the skull caps, especially during prayer.
Women need to keep their head covered and mostly wear a long robe, although anything which covers the body is preferred.
In the lesser conservative Jews, Western clothing is allowed, expect while visiting the mosque.
In the corporate world, men wear formal suits, especially during meetings.
Women do not wear suits but any kind of formal clothing.
Food
Food plays a major role in all the Jewish celebrations.
The Sabbath is an important family meal which includes an egg bread called challah.
At the Jewish New Year , the meal is prepared and eaten in a circle, representing the circle of life.
Taking wine is also a part of the Jewish New Year Celebrations.
In an Israel restaurant, having a long discussion with the waiter regarding food is very common and taking his opinion regarding the most delicious dish.
Hotel Dining
Marriage and Family
In traditional Arab and Jewish families, marriages were arranged, but the norm is changing gradually.
It is illegal for a Jew to marry a non-Jew in Israel.
If you want to, you need to do it outside Israel.
A person can write a big fat check at his friend's wedding as a gift. Now-a-days the norm has shifted from cheques to expensive gifts.
A local artifact shop in Israel
Etiquette
A very high level of informal interaction is very common in Israel. 'Please and Thank you' are uttered with some level of brusqueness, however it is not done with purpose.
Israelis are extremely informal in social interactions.
Touching and eye contact are extremely common.
However it is more common among the same gender, opposite gender display of affection is strictly prohibited.
Performing Arts and Theater
Israel is well-known for theater and arts.
It has a very famous orchestra, and the Israel Ballet Company is very famous.
Theater is also very popular among Jewish people and most of the plays are melodramatic.
Miscellaneous Cultural Facts of Israel
Israelis clap their hands when their plane lands safely.
Israelis are fond of listening to the news on the radio.
Most Jewish Israelis (men) serve in the Army.
Israelis are very fond of black coffee.
Once a year Israel celebrates, Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, which involves a bike ride with your family. No cars are allowed on this day.
If you ever plan to visit Israel, a visit to the Dead Sea is a must!
Best time to visit Israel is from April to May and October and November.