Customs

Though Israel is a highly educated and largely Western society, it is not homogenous. With citizens of numerous religious and ethnic identities, the country would be better described as a colorful mosaic than a melting pot.

Israelis tend to be very hospitable, open, and sometimes outspoken. They dress informally, and are candid in discussing politics, sports or even personal finances. However, visitors should be sensitive when speaking about religious issues or matters related to Israel’s long and painful struggle with the neighboring countries that are its enemies.

Modest dress and behavior - including avoidance of physical contact between men and women - are expected in strictly observant circles.

Communication

In Israel, business centers in hotels and a multitude of Internet cafes offer e-mail and fax services. It is also very easy to buy or rent cellular phones.

Public pay phones accept “telecards” - magnetic phone cards available at post offices, newsstands, and many hotels - that can be purchased in increments of 10, 20, or 50 units. (One unit generally allows a three-minute local call). Directory assistance can be reached by dialing 144, and overseas operators by dialing 188; both services offer English-speaking operators.

Post offices and mailboxes in Israel are identified by a red sign bearing the image of a white leaping deer. English-style red-letter boxes are also used, and special yellow intra-city mailboxes are found in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Stamps can be purchased at newsstands and shops displaying a similar sign. Post offices also send telegrams and telexes, and often operate overseas telephone calling centers.

Languages

Hebrew is Israel's national language, but Arabic also enjoys official status, and English is widely spoken, especially by students. Most hotels, tourist sites and major businesses have English-speaking staff, and nearly all traffic signs are translated into English.

Media

Israel is a media-drenched country, with many English-language TV and radio broadcasts, films and newspapers.

Israel Television's Channels 1 and 2 offer many British and American programs in English, and Channel 1 broadcasts international and local news in English every day at 6:15 p.m. Additional broadcast, cable and satellite stations, including CNN and BBC, are widely available.

In major cities, it is easy to find prominent English-language dailies like the Jerusalem Post and the English edition of Ha'aretz. International newsstands and large bookstores offer major foreign publications like Time and Newsweek.

Israeli radio stations can be picked up from all eastern Mediterranean countries and often from Europe. The Voice of America and the BBC's World Service are both accessible on the AM dial. Voice of Israel (Kol Yisrael) broadcasts news bulletins in English and then French three times each day.