The culture of Israel was in development long before the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948, and is a combination of secular life and religious heritage. Much of the diversity of Israel's culture seems to come from the diversity of the Jews who make up Israel. Originating from around the world, new immigrants bring individual cultural elements from their countries, and contribute to a continuing development of Israeli culture that follows cultural changes throughout the world. The culture is also very much based on the history of the Jewish people which developed in different ways over the hundreds of years in which the Jews were in exodus. The ideology of the Zionist movement beginning in the late nineteenth century is certainly crucial to understanding modern Israeli culture.
Israel's diverse culture stems from the diversity of the population: Jews from around the world have brought their cultural and religious traditions with them, creating a melting pot of Jewish customs and beliefs. Israel is the only country in the world where life revolves around the Hebrew calendar. Work and school holidays are determined by the Jewish holidays, and the official day of rest is Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Israel's large Arab minority has left its imprint on Israeli culture in such spheres as architecture, music, and cuisine.
Israeli culture is heterogeneous, dynamic, and very hard to define. Considerable parts of the secular cultural creations is situated in the Tel Aviv area, although many of the official cultural institutions are situated in Jerusalem. But without a doubt, most of the Israeli culture occurs in these areas, with emphasis on Tel Aviv. Due to population composed from immigrants of five continents and more than 100 different countries, and due to significant subcultures like the Palestinians, the Russians and the Orthodox, that every one of them encounters about a million people and holds independent communities, including their own newspapers and networks in which they distribute their own products of culture, the Israeli culture is exquisite in its richness and wide variety.
Nowadays the Israeli government supports the arts less and less. The amount of financial support is lower than what is average in most western countries and less than half percent arrives from the country's budget. Israel's Philharmonic Orchestra have concerts throughout the country and occasionally plays abroad too. The Israeli broadcasting authority orchestra performs concerts throughout the world as well. To the local authorities there are many little orchestras, which their players arrive usually from the former Soviet Union. Israel is known world wide in the greatness of its modern dance, with bands like Batsheva and Batdor which perform around the world.
Habima Theatre, Cameri Theater, Beit Lessin Theater, Gesher Theater (which performs in Hebrew and in Russian), Haifa Theater and the Beersheba Theater are considered to be the most important in Israel. The repertoire of their shows cover a variety of appearance of classic and modern drama, and likewise from plays of Israeli playwrights. The national theater is the Habima Theatre, which was founded in 1917.
Colonies of artists are situated in Safed, Jaffa and in Ein Hod, but are considered less attractive nowadays. Israeli painters and sculptures sell their works throughout the world. In the cities Tel Aviv, Herzlia and Jerusalem there are art museums, and in many towns and kibbutzim there are smaller museums. The Israel Museum of art in Jerusalem consists of the Dead Sea scrolls and a comprehensive collection of Jewish religious art and popular art.
Israelis are avid newspaper readers. The main newspapers are in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian and English. There are smaller newspapers in French, Polish, Yiddish, Russian, Hungarian and German. Likewise there are many local newspapers in many towns and culture magazines.
Since the 1980s a well developed Alternative Israeli Culture has developed in Israel, in the fields of music, dance, comics, poetry, art etc.
Business Customs
Visiting U.S. companies find Israel’s business environment very similar to that in the United States. It is a professional and westernized business environment and most U.S. businesspeople feel very comfortable doing business here. Appointments can be made on fairly short notice, but punctuality is desired. Usually, Israelis arrive well prepared for meetings and are very direct. Business cards in English or in English and Hebrew are recommended. It is very expensive and often a difficult task to have business cards made at short notice in Israel. Major hotels will likely offer to make photocopies of a sample card if you need additional cards at short notice. It is often better to have these photocopied cards than no cards at all. Email addresses and websites should be included with your contact information.
Israelis are familiar with the fact that most U.S. businesspeople dress formally for meetings. However, this does not mean they will be dressed formally, and especially in the summer months it is common for everyone to shed the coat and tie or to wear them only for very formal meetings. Business suits are appropriate for meetings with VIPs, some private sector companies, and senior government officials. In general, American business travelers will find business dress in both the private sector and government offices to be much less formal than in the United States.
English is widely spoken in the business community and in government offices, but knowing and using a few words in Hebrew, especially introductory phrases and greetings, can be very useful. Most businesses and government offices are open 40-45 hours/week, Sunday throughThursday. It may be possible to schedule appointments for Friday morning, but no appointments or business are done on Saturdays. Common office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Retail outlets are open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Shops in malls usually remain open until around 10:00 p.m. Banks are open in the mornings, Sunday through Friday and twice a week in the afternoon. The American Embassy in Tel Aviv is open 8-4:30 Monday-Friday. Israel is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and does observe Daylight Savings Time.
Travel Advisory
The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories and warnings. Since September 2000, there has been a travel warning in place that was issued by the Department of State currently containing a recommendation to remain mindful of security factors when considering travel to Israel and Jerusalem, to defer travel to the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip due to current safety and security concerns. For the most current information see the Department of State Travel Warning for Israel or visit U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv's website at http://israel.usembassy.gov/publish/consular.htm. Consular information is available at 972-3-519-7410. Travelers may also contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv at telephone 972-3-519 7575 for information and help in Israel. The after-hours number is: 972-3-519-7551. The fax number is 972-3-516-0315. The E-mail address for American Citizen Services is: amctelaviv@state.govAutomated, and inquiries can be made from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 972-3-519-7475. The e-mail address for non-immigrant visa services is: NIVtelaviv@state.gov. The e-mail for immigrant visa services is: ivtelaviv@state.gov. For information and help in Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem: 972-2-625-3288. The after-hours number is 972-2-625-3201. The fax number is 972-2-272-2233. There is a U.S. Consular Agent in Haifa, tel: 972-4-853-1446, who reports to the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Consular Agent can provide some routine and emergency non-visa related services in the North.
All travelers are advised to refer to the latest Consular Information Sheet for Israel and travel advisories issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State, Washington, D.C. Recorded travel information is available at tel: (202) 647-5225. For information by fax, call (202) 647-3000. Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. The State Department advises U.S. citizens who plan to be in the region for a substantial period of time to participate in the Online Internet Registration for U.S. citizens residing or traveling abroad at: https://travelregistration.state.gov/. Registrants can receive email updates to Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements and Travel Warnings specific to the countries they choose. This site will allow both short- and longterm travelers abroad to provide their itinerary, residence, and emergency contact information. Organizations such as travel agencies or firms with employees overseas may also enter information on their clients or staff.
In light of the USG Travel Warning, Clal Insurance Company (one of the largest private Israeli insurance companies) offers a special insurance policy that is available to American business people traveling to Israel. The policy has been specifically created to address the needs of the business traveler to Israel at this time. Since this special insurance policy does have certain restrictions, it is important for all Americans to obtain full details of the policy directly from Clal before leaving the United States. The Clal policy, called "Because of the Situation," offers American (and Canadian) citizens who are guests of an Israeli company located in Israel full medical, personal injury and life insurance coverage up to $1 million during their stay in Israel. Only Clal's agents offer the coverage in Israel and the application process must be implemented via the host Israeli/American/Canadian company in Israel. For specific information about this policy the contact at Clal is: Mr. Yakov Mizrahi at tel: 972-3-638-7335, email: yakovm@clal.il.co.
Visa Requirements
Passports, an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required for entry to Israel and the occupied territories. A three-month visa may be issued free of charge to holders of U.S. passports upon arrival, and may be extended by the Ministry of the Interior. Visitors who plan to travel to Arab countries without diplomatic relations with Israel may request to have their Israeli entry visas stamped on a separate form at the port of entry. Interested U.S. visitors who have been refused entry or have experienced difficulties with their visa status during previous visits, or who have overstayed a visa during previous visits, can obtain information from the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. or an Israeli consulate regarding the advisability of attempting to return to Israel. Americans of Palestinian ancestry or Israeli American dual nationals may be subject to more particular restrictions and should read the Consular Information Sheet for Israel, cited above.
Except during periods of closures, U.S. citizens, except those of Palestinian ancestry may enter and exit the West Bank on a U.S. passport with an Israeli visa. It is not necessary to obtain a visitor's permit from the Palestinian Authority. American citizens of Palestinian ancestry should check the Consular Information Sheet for the latest updates on entry and exit requirements for Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
International crossing points are now in operation between Israel and Jordan at the Arava crossing (Wadi Al-Arabah) in the South (near Eilat), and the Jordan River crossing (Sheikh Hussein Bridge) in the North (near Beit Shean). Prior visas are not necessary for American citizens using these two crossing points to enter either Israel or Jordan, but such travelers will have to pay a fee. Visas should be obtained in advance for those wanting to cross the Allenby Bridge, which links Jordan and the West Bank. (Note: Palestinian Americans with past or current residency status in the West Bank or Gaza must cross into Jordan using the Allenby Bridge).
Procedures for all crossings into Jordan are subject to frequent changes. Travelers interested in the most up-to-date border crossing information should contact the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. For further entry information, travelers may contact the Embassy of Israel, 3514 International Drive, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 364-5500, or the Israeli Consulate General in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Houston.
Telecommunications
Israel's national and international telecommunications systems are constantly improving and are competitive internationally. Internet access is available from at least five different service providers. Calling cards have become very popular and can be used in most payphones for both local and international calls. All Israeli post offices, and some private vendors, offer calling cards in shekel denominations. Cell phones are available for rental at Ben Gurion Airport or through hotels. It is estimated that Israel has one of the highest levels in the world of people who own and operate a cell phone on a daily basis. According to the Israel Ministry of Communications, the penetration rate of mobile phone subscription is 95% (6.3 million mobile subscribers on 4 networks). Telephone credit cards are also widely used and operated by such companies as AT&T, MCI and Sprint. Many Israeli companies have modern data communication equipment, providing an immediate business link with clients and customers both domestically and internationally.
Transportation
Israel is a small country - about the size of New Jersey. Rental cars, taxis and limousines w/driver are readily available to the visiting U.S. businessperson at comparable U.S. prices. U.S. drivers may rent cars with a valid U.S. license or an international drivers license. The accident rate in Israel is high and we recommend hiring a driver or using caution when self-driving. Israel has an extensive road network that connects the entire country. Israel also has advanced inland (bus and plane) and international transportation facilities.
One of the most notable advances in transport in Israel in recent years has been the modernization of the train system, which is still undergoing expansion. The system currently runs along Israel's Mediterranean coast, being particularly useful for connections between Haifa, Tel Aviv and the airport, as well as the most recent link to Jerusalem. Commuter trains have become a popular means of travel between these points as the rush-hour traffic and congestion continues to grow around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Extensive freight services are available and most often used between Haifa, the port in the north, and Ashdod, Israel’s primary port in the south, near the Beer Sheva region.
Ben Gurion International Airport is located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and offers connections to several international destinations. Ben Gurion is the country’s center of air passenger and cargo operations. A new international terminal was completed and entered service in late 2004. Frequent internal air services connect the major cities of Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem to Eilat in the south and to the Galilee region in the north. Limited internal air service is available on Fridays and Saturdays. The three main ports, located in Haifa, Ashdod and Eilat, offer full freight services for international shipping.
Language
Hebrew and Arabic are the two official languages of Israel. English is the third and principal international language. Many signs in public places are in all three languages. Due to the diversity of the immigrant population, most Israelis are multilingual. Russian is also prevalent.
Health
Modern medical care and medicines are available in Israel. Service may be somewhat limited on Fridays and Saturdays so special attention should be paid to making arrangements in advance if possible for service on these days. Travelers can find information written in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the "Jerusalem Post" newspaper.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. The international traveler's hotline at the Center for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional health information.
Business Hours & Holidays
Most businesses and government offices are open 40-45 hours/week, Sunday through Thursday. It may be possible to schedule business appointments for Friday morning, but no appointments or business are done on Saturdays. Common office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Retail outlets are open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Shops in malls usually remain open until around 10:00 p.m. Banks are open in the mornings, Sunday through Friday and twice a week in the afternoon. The American Embassy in Tel Aviv is open 8-4:30 Monday-Friday. Israel is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and observes Daylight Savings Time. During Israeli National Holidays all businesses in Israel are closed.
Hotels & Restaurants
Israel has a variety of business hotels and restaurants that offer a wide range of services and international cuisine. Most hotels and major restaurants accept internationally recognized credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, American Express and Diners Club. Prices are comparable to major metropolitan areas in the United States. In Israel, the food and water is generally safe, although bottled water is often preferred, widely available, and fairly inexpensive. Visitors should be wary of any food that may have been exposed too long in the hot, open air. Diet drinks are very popular as well as a variety of fresh made fruit shakes and popular beverages from the United States. Coffee bars and pastry shops are on almost every street corner, and many small kiosks offer regional specialties such as falafel and shwarma sandwiches.
Temporary Entry of Materials & Personal Belongings
In general, Israeli practices follow international standards and conventions. Trade samples of negligible or low value (under US$1), non-merchandisable samples and printed advertising material are usually exempt. Trade samples with a value up to US$100 should have an ATA Carnet if brought into Israel. If valued over US$100 an import license is required. Duty paid may be redeemed providing the goods are reexported before the end of six months.
Video cameras and other electronic items must be declared upon entry to Israel. Please note that the Embassy has received reports from travelers that these items are sometimes seized by Israeli customs and security officials and are sometimes returned either damaged after an often lengthy delay, during which time the contents of the hard drive may be downloaded and the loss or compromise of sensitive business or personal data may occur. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Israel in Washington or one of Israel's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
