Barely half a century old and composed of immigrants from more than 80 countries, it is not surprising that native-born Israelis call themselves sabras - the name is given to the fruit of the Prickly Pear cactus - and that Israel is a land of contrasts, paradoxes and unpredictability. But, says the author, the Prickly Pear may be very offputting from the outside, but is delicious inside. It is worth persevering. The author, himself an immigrant in Jerusalem, gives the reader a sharply-focused insider's view of the way of life in modern Israel. He notes that the impetuosity, idealism, and supreme self-confidence characteristic of the early years (and often extremely unpleasant for the outside world) have given way to the much more relaxed and realistic approach of a maturing society, although the prickly image is still very much part of government life and state media. Other stereotypes are also faced head-on, such as the kibbutz culture (today, less than 4% of Israelis live on kibbutzim) and the military culture.

Not only are well known history and politics re-counted but the author also describes the average Israeli and why they are what they are today.

Comprehensive guide to the culture, etiquette and communication of Israel.

A basic guide to the way of life in modern-day Italy, designed to help visitors enjoy the country and the company of the Italians.

A guide to adapting and thriving within unfamiliar cultural settings challenges the notion that professional life interacts with culture only at the etiquette level, distinguishing between rule-based and relationship-based cultures while considering the roles of such factors as competition, security, and lifestyle. (Social Science)

Today, about a quarter of the world's Jews live in Israel which has a population of about 6,000,000, of which Jews account for over 80%. In Israel, there is no state religion as such, but most areas of domestic law (personal status, marriage, divorce, funerals etc.) are controlled by the Rabbinate. Most Israeli Jews admit to following many of the basic beliefs and practices of Judaism which date back some 4000 years to the time of the Patriarchs.

Bulding Effective Busness Relationship with Osraelis.