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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ISRAEL IS HERE TO STAY DEAL WITH IT

 LIST OF ISSUES

 
 
DIVERSITY .

1) Introduction: The Diversity of Israeli Society

By: Jonathan Kaplan

Israeli society is made up of many different groups, and before we can begin to examine any of the major issues or developments in Israel, we must first get a general picture of the various components which together form the country's social fabric. In this class, we shall try to briefly describe these groups or sectors.

"Edot": 
Already in ancient times, Jewish communities were formed outside of the Land of Israel. In the middle ages, important Jewish centers were to be found in Babylonia, Spain (Sepharad in Hebrew) and Franco-Germany (Ashkenaz in Hebrew). As members of a social and religious minority exposed to the cultural influences of the majority population, Jews took on certain elements of the local culture. They also created social patterns that suited the reality in which they lived. As a matter of course, Jews residing in different lands and living under different social, cultural and religious conditions, developed different customs, manners and cultural expressions. These Jewish "ethnic sub-groups" are referred to in Israel as "Edot". They are characterized by a particular place of origin (for example Yemen) and a distinct culture which can include dress, cuisine, song, dance, crafts, religious traditions, language and even Hebrew pronunciation. (We shall be examining the social importance of these "Edot" in class 4). Generally, "Edot" are classified into one of the following categories.

Ashkenazim: 
These Jews are the descendants of the medieval Jewish communities in Franco-Germany. During the latter part of the middle ages, many Jews from this area moved eastward into Poland and other eastern European territories. Groups of orthodox Ashkenazi Jews came to the Land of Israel in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries to form communities of Torah scholars in the holy cities of Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed and Tiberias. Large numbers of Russian Jews left for safer and more promising shores after the beginning of a period of pogroms in the early 1880s. While most of these immigrated to the United States, Canada, Argentina and other diaspora countries, a small stream of ideologically motivated pioneers chose to live in Turkish, or after 1917, British ruled Palestine. Here, they became the majority of the Jewish population, comprising some 80% of the Jewish settlement in 1948.

Sephardim: 
As the name implies, these Jews trace their ancestry back to the Jewish population of medieval Spain. Following the persecution of Spanish Jews in the late fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, and their expulsion from the kingdom in 1492, these Jews settled in major ports and economic centers in Europe, the Middle East and even the New World. A center of Sephardi Jews emerged in the Galilee town of Safed in the sixteenth century. Although Sephardi Jews, like their Ashkenazi brethren, came in limited numbers to live in the Holy Land throughout history, larger numbers of Sephardi Jews (for example from Bulgaria and Turkey) came to Israel only after its establishment in 1948.

Oriental Jews 
The communities from which these Jews descend did not undergo a direct European experience. Often, these Jews are erroneously referred to as Sephardim, but although they generally took on Sephardi customs in prayer and religious service, they have their own unique traditions. Some of these communities date back thousands of years, as does for example Iraqi Jewry which traces its origins back to ancient Babylonia. Other communities were formed by Jews from the Land of Israel as early as the Second Temple period. Generally, Jews from Arab or Moslem countries (North Africa, the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan and the Moslem republics of the former Soviet Union) are considered Oriental or Eastern Jews. A large wave of Jews from these areas came to Israel in the 1950s. (The Mass Migration of this period will be investigated in class 3). 
As noted above, at the time of the establishment of the State of Israel, Ashkenazim made up about 80% of the Jewish population. Due to the large influx of Oriental Jews during the first decade of the state and their higher fertility rate, the percentage of Oriental Jews increased consistently until in 1965 they comprised the majority of Israeli Jewry. This trend was altered with the immigration of Jews from the former USSR in the 1990s. Using the criteria of father's birthplace, as of December 31, 1993, 39.9% of Israeli Jews were of European and American origin (Ashkenazim for the most part), 36.3% were of Asian or African origin (essentially Oriental Jews) and 23.8% were of Israeli origin. It would appear, at present, that there is a numerical balance between Ashkenazim and Oriental Jews.

"Olim" and "Sabras"
Israel is unique in its official and longstanding encouragement of Jewish immigration. Unlike most other immigrant societies, this openness to immigration has remained consistent even in times of economic stress and crisis. As a result, Jews have continued to arrive from all over the world to settle in Israel. Naturally, the number of "sabras" or native born Israelis was relatively low when the state was established, reaching only 35.4% in late 1948. Due to the ongoing "aliyah", this had not changed substantially by mid-1961 when the percentage of Israeli born was still only 37.8%. With time, the percentage of "sabras" in society increased, and in recent years it has leveled off at just under 61%. 
The effect of a large number of "olim" (immigrants) on a small society has been highly significant socially, economically and culturally. The need to absorb the newcomers placed a heavy burden on the young state, although once integrated, the "olim" led to considerable economic growth. Immigrants brought with them their values and traditions, and these in turn have influenced the emerging society in Israel.

Non-Jewish Minorities: Arab Citizens 
Israel's non-Jewish population is differentiated religiously, socially, culturally and nationally from the Jewish majority. Over 75 percent of Israeli non-Jews are Moslems, the rest being Christians, Druze and a few other smaller groups. The Moslems and the vast majority of the Christians identify as Arabs, generally as Palestinian Arabs who hold Israeli citizenship and have integrated considerably into Israeli western culture (especially in the case of the Christian Arabs) but at the same time also share feelings of solidarity with their Palestinian brethren outside Israel's borders. Among the Moslems, trends of Islamic fundamentalism have become more pronounced in recent years. Although they enjoy full legal and political equality, it is very difficult for Arabs in Israel to accept the basic definition of Israel as a Jewish state and the reflection of this in the country's national symbols (for example the national anthem, the flag, Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers, Independence Day and the Law of Return). (The issue of the Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel will be discussed further in class 6). The Druze comprise a very different population which has on the whole identified fully with the State of Israel since 1948. Living in their own villages and maintaining their own religious beliefs and traditions which have their origins in Islam, the Druze identify as a separate people, loyal to the state in which they live while at the same time connected with Druze communities in neighboring states. Druze men serve in the Israeli army by law (unlike Arabs who are not obliged to do military service) and often volunteer for the most elite reconnaissance units.

Religious Identity: Secular, Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox 
In the traditional society of the middle ages, all Jews followed the precepts of Jewish law as set down in the Bible, the Talmud and later rabbinic writings. From the eighteenth century on, Jewish society began to undergo processes of secularization and acculturation to the surrounding society which led, especially in western Europe of the mid-nineteenth century, to the emergence of new religious trends (Reform Judaism, Neo-Orthodoxy and Ultra-Orthodoxy for example) as an attempt to redefine Jewish identity in an age of increasing modernization. Other Jews at this time and during the next century adopted radical ideologies such as nationalism or socialism which also influenced or altered their religious attitudes. 
Most of these positions were reflected in the waves of Jewish immigration to Israel. Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jews (referred to in Hebrew as "Haredim") formed the so-called Old Yishuv in the four holy cities as noted above. In the pre-state period, Russian Socialist-Zionist pioneers, for whom Judaism was a national-cultural identity as opposed to a religious one, played the formative role in creating the foundations of modern Israeli society. Modern orthodox Jews (in Hebrew - "Datiim") came to settle in Israel, both before and after the establishment of the state. The large influx of Jews from oriental communities brought Jews who, for the most part, still lived in a traditional social and religious environment which included religious observance and practice. While many of these took on much of the secular lifestyle of the Israeli majority, others continued to be religiously observant Jews, while still others were attracted to Ultra-Orthodox groups. Immigrants from North America and other diaspora communities have brought with them the trends of Reform and Conservative Judaism (known in Israel as Progressive and Traditional - "Masorati" - Judaism respectively). 
It is rather difficult to determine the exact number of each Jewish religious group or even the proportion of observant and non-observant Jews. Most Jews in Israel maintain some form of tradition, be it Sabbath candle lighting, observance of at least certain dietary laws or holiday traditions. An estimate that 20% of Israeli Jews are religiously observant (ie. keep at least Sabbath and dietary laws) is probably not far off the mark. There are considerable variations in the percentages of Israeli Jews affiliating with orthodox or ultra-orthodox institutions such as schools, health funds or religious political parties. Certain cities (Jerusalem, Bene Beraq) have a much higher religiously observant population than do others. Orthodox and ultra-orthodox Jews often have specific religious demands,usually in regard to public compliance with Jewish law. (We will be studying this issue in class 5).

Final Remarks 
In addition to the usual subgroups of a population, groups defined by gender, income, geographical dispersion, professional distribution, age, etc. - Israeli society is comprised of groups of people with different and sometimes clashing values and world views. They have different opinions about the nature and future of Israeli society which are voiced in the public debate over the relationship of religion and state, the status of Arabs, the future of the territories and the status of women, to name only a few issues. Israeli social, economic and foreign policy makers must constantly take these various and vying opinions into account. It is these groups, these opinions and these issues that we shall examine in the remainder of our course.

 

BUSINESS.

TIPS FOR DOING BUSINESS IN ISRAEL

In order to develop more successful commercial relations with Israel, you can find below some critical cross-cultural business advices for those wishing to work with Israeli businesses and governmental organizations.

Over ninety percent of the problems which arise in developing and maintaining commercial relations with Israelis, comes directly from differences in cultural perceptions - not rates, services or products!

 

 

"WE DON'T SEE THINGS AS THEY ARE... WE SEE THINGS AS WE ARE" - Anais Nin

 

No Culture is Good or Bad- Just Different!

 

Israelis, Americans, Europeans and Asians all view space, time and values from a different place. If we are all to expect the Israeli, or the Taiwanese or the French to act, to behave in the exact manner - then we will be greatly disappointed! Many businesspeople come to Israel, expecting to do business, as if they were still in their own countries. The smiles and handshakes look the same, even the suits and ties, but after a few minutes have passed, both sides, which have come together with great respect and mutual admiration - feel something is not right!

The Israeli, who is often perceived as being arrogant, aggressive and pushy, is actually being direct and honest. And the American, European and Asian, who are seen by the Israeli as being artificial, phony and weak - are actually displaying politeness and respect. If both sides are to go into a commercial venture, without taking the time to understand each other’s cultural traits - they are heading for disaster!

Don't be fooled by the modern office furniture, mobile telephones, new shopping malls, the one million McDonald restaurant outlets and the 100 dollar ties. The Israeli is a different animal - and to be successful in business with him you must understand how they see you and where they come from.

Israeli society is what is referred to as a polyphonic culture (relationship-oriented), in contrast to American, Taiwanese, British or German culture, which is monochronic (rule-oriented). In the relationship oriented Israeli culture feelings and emotions are primary, while intuition and objective facts are secondary! Israeli culture can be viewed as witnessing one large family. In a family, one can dismiss formality and act in a direct, immediate and honest fashion. What can be excused in a "family" as being direct - is often interrupted outside of the family or Israel's borders as being rude or impolite.

THE NATIVE BORN ISRAELI IS REFERRED TO AS A "SABRA". THE WORD SABRA COMES FROM THE "SABRA CACTUS PLANT" - VERY THORNY AND THREATENING ON THE OUTSIDE AND VERY SWEET AND SOFT IN THE INSIDE.

 

THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG

How we see and judge others are by their behaviors (the tip of the iceberg) which includes: punctuality, greetings, business etiquette, management styles, planning, verbal and written communication, negotiation styles and the all important non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication with the human animal accounts for over 70 percent of our total ability to understand one another! Our gestures, expressions, eye contact, use of silence and personal space. What lies below that white, icy iceberg tip which arises over the blue water, is a submerged mountain of attitudes and values.

Following we will try to provide you with a few "key" tips in dealing with your Israeli partner

GREETINGS AND SPACE

  • Wear your suit if you feel comfortable in it. The Israeli will expect you to dress in the same manner from where you have come from. Dressing as an Israeli, informal dress with jeans or dress pants and an open, short sleeved dress shirt can be confusing for the Israeli who may feel and start to act as if you come from the same army unit! Dress down after your initial meeting. You are different - make that statement and be respected and understood for it. If your first meeting takes place on a hot, Israeli summer's day - wear the suit but leave the suit jacket in the hotel.
  • Israelis are a very close, touchy, feely society - as in a close family. The paradox is that they are not used to shaking hands, although this is changing. Don't be offended if the Israeli does not offer you his hand - but do offer yours - physical contact with that initial smile is very important.
  • Maintain direct eye contact. If the Israeli is standing a little too close - invading your private space - it's normal and accept it. Taking one step back may make you feel more comfortable but your communication will not be as well received!
  • Address the Israeli by their first name. They may very likely use the title Mr. or Ms. when addressing you. Kindly invite him to address you by your first name and watch the communication and relationship process become more intimate and honest.
  • The exchange of business cards is not an established ritual in Israel. Although it is becoming more and more common, forgive the Israeli if he or she is not prepared with their calling cards. Differently from Taiwan, In Israel it is not a costume to give and receive the calling card in both hands. It does not mean for disrespect, and it reflects the less official and more intimate way of Israeli way to do business.
  • You can always expect a friendly and real invitation for sharing coffee as a meeting begins. If the Israeli is being hosted on your ground - always extend an invitation for coffee or a soft drink.
  • As warm and as friendly as the Israeli is, you can still find some very conservative areas. When walking down a street in London, Paris and New York, if you make eye contact with another person it is normal to smile and say "good morning." In Israel, if you are not a tourist asking for directions and you make verbal contact with a stranger, he or she will most likely give you an awkward look followed by "me ata" or asking in English "who are you"? Also many Israeli's will not feel comfortable discussing very personal or intimate subjects or problems with you - i.e.- their marriage, sex, divorce, medical problems and army service (prohibited by law).
  • Most public and crowded places (i.e. - bank, post office, restaurant) put into effect crowd management control with ropes, creating orderly lines. But in many occasions, When getting ready to enter a bus or a crowded area (i.e. - open marketplace) don't expect the Israeli to form a line. This is where you are expected to use the gentle nudge of your elbow to enter. If you wait - you will be last! As a footnote.

BODY COMPOSURE AND GESTURES

  • The Israeli is ready for immediate action. You can witness this by how many Israelis sit - leaning forward with legs spread apart - ready to stand at a moments notice.
  • He or she may lean back in their chair, place their hands on the back of their heads - do not interrupt this as arrogance - this is informality - sit the same way (echoing) and watch how your relationship comes together!
  • The Israeli will ask you to wait by placing their hand up, palm towards their body with fingers coming together - and the hand may shake. If you will come across this Mediterranean act  - It means “Please wait a second”.

 

VERBALS

  • Israelis are a very passionate and expressive breed. As such, if they raise their voices, this is how many Israelis normally communicate with one another. The Israeli can yell and scream at a colleague one moment and a few minutes later be seen hugging the guy. If the Israeli speaks in a low tone and smiles for hours with you - it means he is not being real, honest and relaxed with you! Again, please remember - there are exceptions to this rule such as high-level businessmen, officials and for those Israelis who have lived outside of Israel.
  • Israelis are a curious people and not shy to ask how much your salary is, if your married or other intimate questions. Respond in a general, kind and polite manner such as "not enough" or "comfortable". Israeli salaries are about fifty percent less than their counterparts in the States and Europe, taxes are very high and the cost of living is almost equal and sometimes higher than New York or London!
  • Another beautiful and psychologically healthy aspect of the direct, honest and sometimes loud Israeli - is that they are just letting off steam in a truly good manner. It may not appear polite, but the result is that Israeli's very rarely make violent contact with one another. Instead of swallowing all of the anxiety and letting it out in a harmful and negative neurotic or psychotic fashion, the Israeli is actually a healthier social animal than many of their global counterparts who repress their feelings and take such mood altering drugs such as Valium or Prozac!

TIME

  • Israelis want things today - Now! As they come from a young and traumatic society where war has been the norm - trying to get the most out of today is the expected rule. If you are talking in terms of months and years - you may lose your Israeli partner's interest. In this circumstance he may very well perceive you as not being serious. Try to meet him or her half way - try to speak realistically in terms of days and weeks.
  • Meetings can be and are often spontaneous. Again a reflection of the informal and family oriented culture. Embrace this openness and good things will happen!
  • Punctuality is relaxed. Always allow up to 15-20 minutes before thinking that your party is late. In Israel, things are rapidly changing, especially in the hi-tech environment where many Israelis pride themselves on being on time. After work hours, you may notice a more relaxed tone. When setting work deadlines, be sure to leave some advanced buffer period.
  • The Israeli is not used to "doing lunch or breakfast". They see this time as being too valuable - instead suggest sandwiches and drinks to be brought into the meeting room. Dinner is very accepted. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss family, compliment Israeli culture, history, sports and continue with business discussions. It is natural for the Israelis to discuss business also during the meal. Do not speak about Israeli government, politics or religious issues. If they bring it up - be a good listener! Find out if your Israeli partner is religious or "observant" before going out for a meal - if he or she is - respect their values and find a "kosher" restaurant. Israelis are not big drinkers - inviting your counterpart for a beer is acceptable.
  • During a meeting the Israeli may take telephone calls and allow others into his office or the meeting room. Interruptions such as these are common in Israeli culture - do not take it as being rude, impolite or arrogant. This is a very informal society, where Israelis are expected and able to do many tasks at the same time. Taiwanese people, as well as people from many other countries, are the complete opposite in their behavior - taking one chore at a time, finishing it and then moving onto the next task.

NEGOTIATIONS

  • Israeli businessmen are good - in many cases superb! When it comes to negotiating tactics - they wrote the book! Be prepared for tough and friendly negotiations. There is little difference between the modern, air-conditioned wall-to-wall carpeted Israeli boardroom and the ancient and dusty marketplace in the old city of Jerusalem! If you are seeking to sell your apple for 100 dollars - start high and then look for a fair compromise in the middle. Israelis love to negotiate. Read up on negotiations and don't be offended by what may appear as a "ridiculous offer".
  • Hiring a professional translator would prevent the Israeli from breaking into Hebrew and consulting with his associates - leaving you in the dark. Having a translator on site would be very powerful and positive, given that you will always be on the "same page" with your Israeli partners and the translator could also serve as a "cultural bridge" in regards to verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Get things in writing! No matter how warm and friendly your relationship may become - a handshake is good - but never good enough. A Letter of Intent and or a contract will leave no room for misunderstandings down the road. Do not bring an attorney to your meetings, rather fax your attorney all papers and contracts for them to review. Israeli people regard the written contract literally and they expect their Taiwanese partner to regard it in the same manner. Violation of a contract by a foreign company could be resulted with lawsuits and bad reputation in the Israeli business community.
  • The Israeli may request to conclude all negotiations immediately. This is not a sign of desperation or weakness - this is a basic difference in how the Israeli perceives time. Most Israelis are seen as being impatient - wanting everything done "today". The reason for this is their traumatic historical and military service experiences, they are not always secure as to where they will be tomorrow.
  • One of the best places to begin your negotiations may be with your taxi driver! Make sure that when you get into the taxi and your destination is inside the city limits - that the meter is always turned on! For travel between cities, there are fixed rates for which the driver should have a book to show you the prices. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped in Israel - but you can make an exception. Waiters and waitresses are always tipped 10-15 percent unless "service" is included in the bill.

GIFT GIVING

  • Israelis are a very warm and friendly people. When they invite you to their home or out for dinner - they are not just being polite - they are displaying sincere friendship. When they say "stop by at any time" - they truly mean it! Accept the invitation and create a good personal relationship. In Israel, Just like in Taiwan, relationships count just as much if not more than a solid commercial portfolio. Unlike many other cultures, substance, not style takes the lead in Israel. When coming to someone's home, good gifts to bring are flowers, chocolates or a good bottle of wine. When coming to someone's office good gifts to bring are a culture book from your home country, a pen set with your company's logo or a global desk clock. Framed pictures of yourself and your Israeli associates make an excellent gift and wall decoration - reminding the Israeli of the personal ties that you share!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equal Rights for Women Not at Top of Journalists List of Issues Facing Israel

15.04.2013 , by iEngage Teamshare this article:           

 

 

Equal rights for women worshipers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem may be one of the top headlines of 2013, especially for Jewish media, but the journalists who are covering this and other stories do not rank it as one of the most significant issues facing Israel.

 

That finding is one of the many surprising results of "Reporting Jewish: Do They Have the Tools to Succeed?" a research survey of more than 120 journalists for Jewish media being done by the iEngage Project.

 

"The headlines in the news may not be what journalists themselves think is important," said Alan Abbey, Director of Media and Internet Services at the Shalom Hartman Institute, who is conducting the research. "Even the Iranian threat, while considered very important, does not rank as number one in the results."

 

Ranked in order of importance, according to survey results of journalists for Jewish media in the US, Canada and Israel, the four top issues facing Israel are:

  • Social and economic imbalances within Israel

  • Iranian nuclear threat

  • Ultra-Orthodox and Haredim impact on Israeli society

  • Government non-recognition of non-Orthodox streams of Judaism

Equal rights for women worshipers at the Kotel (Western Wall). That issue was ranked seventh out of eight issues in importance and below the mean (average) ranking of issues.

 

 

Importance of Issues Facing Israel

Issues

Journalists

Social, economic imbalances

4.14

Nuclear threat from Iran

4.09

Ultra-Orthodox / Haredi Jews

4.05

Official recognition of non-Orthodox streams of Judaism

3.73

Mean

3.73

Gender imbalances / women's rights

3.72

Threats to Israeli democracy

3.58

Israel's parliamentary political system

3.46

Right of women to pray with tallitot & Torah at Western Wall

3.44

Racial prejudice among Jewish Israelis (Sephardic/Ashkenazi differences)

3.40

Answers were on a scale of 1-5, with 1 indicating the least important, and 5 indicating most important. Source: 2013 Survey of Journalists for Jewish Media, iEngage Project of the Shalom Hartman Institute

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